Have Your Say: The O2
Which festivals did you go to this summer? The O2 Wireless festival? What about The Innocent Smoothies Village Fete? Or have you snapped up tickets for the stealthily branded V? (there are planes, mobiles, Radio even Coke, lurking behind that letter)
This summer has seen an explosion, literally an explosion, of branded ‘festivals’ come onto the scene. Whilst not always terrible, consumerist affairs that flaunt a wad of cash in the face of the old free festivals, there is something slightly odd about a company creating its own little world for a weekend.
So what about probably the ultimate exercise in branding this country has ever seen – The O2. For all its short chequered history, the Millenium Dome was a national monument that has now been turned into an ‘entertainment city’. Gutted of it’s former exhibitions, which few of us even saw, the O2 launched officially on 24 June with a concert by Bon Jovi.
It would be so easy to be opinionated about this social phenomenon. Imagine explaining to a medieval peasant that the festival, the celebration that they’d managed to make it through the year without being bumped off by plague or starvation, would one day be used to promote a company that sold boxes that played loud, hilarious tunes and allowed you to relay a running commentary as you walked around the marketplace.
OK, that was a bit opinionated. And I’m not suggesting that we’ll see the launch of the TESCO Stonehenge or a rebuilt T-Mobile Crystal Palace, but branded public events and structures do leave a bad taste…
On the other hand, at least the damned thing is doing something. After lying fallow for nearly 2 years since O2 took over, the relaunch means there is definitely a big gig in the area every month. They’ve even got on the environmentalist tip through a project of reducing carbon emissions.
Who knows how things will go, but too much branding isn’t a good thing… simple as that…
Click Add A Comment and have your say on the O2 - a good thing, a bad thing or who cares, the dome was crap? Let us know…
Image Courtesy of Jan Van Der Crabben
This summer has seen an explosion, literally an explosion, of branded ‘festivals’ come onto the scene. Whilst not always terrible, consumerist affairs that flaunt a wad of cash in the face of the old free festivals, there is something slightly odd about a company creating its own little world for a weekend.
So what about probably the ultimate exercise in branding this country has ever seen – The O2. For all its short chequered history, the Millenium Dome was a national monument that has now been turned into an ‘entertainment city’. Gutted of it’s former exhibitions, which few of us even saw, the O2 launched officially on 24 June with a concert by Bon Jovi.
It would be so easy to be opinionated about this social phenomenon. Imagine explaining to a medieval peasant that the festival, the celebration that they’d managed to make it through the year without being bumped off by plague or starvation, would one day be used to promote a company that sold boxes that played loud, hilarious tunes and allowed you to relay a running commentary as you walked around the marketplace.
OK, that was a bit opinionated. And I’m not suggesting that we’ll see the launch of the TESCO Stonehenge or a rebuilt T-Mobile Crystal Palace, but branded public events and structures do leave a bad taste…
On the other hand, at least the damned thing is doing something. After lying fallow for nearly 2 years since O2 took over, the relaunch means there is definitely a big gig in the area every month. They’ve even got on the environmentalist tip through a project of reducing carbon emissions.
Who knows how things will go, but too much branding isn’t a good thing… simple as that…
Click Add A Comment and have your say on the O2 - a good thing, a bad thing or who cares, the dome was crap? Let us know…
Image Courtesy of Jan Van Der Crabben
Reviews or Comments (5) See all»
Pity they couldn't have re-cycled the dome for the 2012 Olympics in some way rather than spending our hard earned on a load more white elephant venues.
07-08-2007
Chris
I agree with you Prudence - at least its not a Super Casino
07-08-2007
Prudence
Much prefer the entertainment venue, thank you! To think their initial plans involved a debt-meddling casino the 02 is a god send!
07-08-2007
La
Welcome to my living room, sponsored by Virgin Mobile!At least The Dome isn't just sitting there empty and unusued...it's just a shame they couldn't find someone better to open it than Bon Jovi.
i'd like to know more about their 'environmental tip'. i went to a festi at the weekend where there was a massive sound system with lights and all, powered purely by the sun - amazing! plus, as the tax payer indirectly paid for the Dome will we all be receiving some kind of cash return from O2? i know, i know, sarcasm is the lowest form of humour :)
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