BAFTA Television Award 2026 Winners for Best Live Event Coverage | Arcadia SFX Ltd
We are incredibly proud to have been part of the production team behind VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember — the spectacular BBC One live event that took home the BAFTA Television Award for Best Live Event Coverage at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London on 10 May 2026.
The finale of the VE Day 80 celebrations brought the nation together in a moving and joyful live concert from Horse Guards Parade in London, presented by Zoe Ball. Featuring a live orchestra, performances from stars of stage and screen, and deeply personal stories from veterans who lived through that extraordinary day 80 years ago, it was a production that demanded the very best in live event special effects — and we were honoured to be trusted to deliver them.
Special Effects That Bring Historic Moments to Life
At Arcadia SFX Ltd, we specialise in real-time physical and pyrotechnic special effects for film, television, live events, and commercials. With nearly 40 years of experience providing professional on-screen and on-stage effects — from complex practical SFX builds and precision pyrotechnics to atmospheric smoke, fire, and environmental effects — our team understands what it takes to make a live moment truly unforgettable.
Working on a production of this scale and national significance required exacting standards of both creative precision and safety. Live event special effects present unique challenges that differ from controlled film set environments: the effects must be perfectly timed, visually impactful for both a live audience and television broadcast, and above all, safe — all in real time, with no second takes.
BAFTA Recognition for Live Television Excellence
VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember won the Live Event Coverage category at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards, beating out fellow nominees including Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 and Last Night of the Proms: Finale. The win is a testament to the extraordinary work of the entire production team and the ambition of the BBC to honour the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day in a way befitting its historic importance. Bafta
The concert from Horse Guards Parade channelled the spirit of that ultimate feel-good celebration, with special performances including The White Cliffs of Dover and We’ll Meet Again — songs that carry a profound emotional weight for veterans and audiences alike. tvmaze
Film & TV Special Effects, Pyrotechnics and Practical SFX — London & UK
This BAFTA win adds to a long history of Arcadia SFX Ltd working on some of the UK’s most prestigious film and television productions. Based just west of London, close to Pinewood and Shepperton Studios, we are ideally positioned to serve productions across the UK and internationally.
Whether you are looking for a specialist movie special effects company, a film pyrotechnics supplier, a TV production SFX team, or a live event special effects contractor, Arcadia SFX Ltd has the expertise, equipment, and track record to bring your creative vision to life — safely, professionally, and with the kind of results that win BAFTAs.
Our services include:
- Pyrotechnic effects — controlled explosions, fire effects, bullet hits, and precision detonation for film and TV
- Atmospheric and environmental effects — smoke, steam, rain, snow, and wind for productions of all scales
- Physical and mechanical SFX — breakaway props, action rigs, and custom practical builds
- Live event special effects — real-time pyrotechnics and atmospheric effects for broadcast live events, concerts, and ceremonies
- Miniatures and model effects — scaled practical work for film and television
If you are a film director, TV producer, or live event producer seeking a trusted UK special effects company with a BAFTA-winning pedigree, we would love to hear about your project – contact us.