Basildon Crem debuts immersive tech for customisable funerals

Westerleigh Group’s Basildon and District Cemetery and Crematorium has become one of the first sites in the world to install immersive audio-visual technology designed to create highly personalised funeral services.

Its Riverview Chapel has been fitted with large-scale projection, coordinated soundscapes and lighting that allow families to select themed backdrops ranging from landscapes to football stadiums. The technology enables mourners to be surrounded by imagery and sound chosen to reflect the personality and interests of the deceased.

Images can also be displayed on external welcome screens and in waiting rooms, where galleries of photographs may be shown before services begin.

News of Basildon Crematorium’s fitting follows the introduction of similar facilities in Nottinghamshire last year. 

According to operator Westerleigh Group, 99% of families at Gedling Crematorium have chosen to include at least some of the immersive features.

Debbie Smith, chief executive of Westerleigh Group, said: “We’ve always been committed to making the services we host as uniquely personal as possible, which is also an ambition of our partners at Obitus. Now, thanks to their research and development, our shared vision has become a reality.”

Adam Mayers, manager of Basildon Crematorium, added: “From seasonal and landscape canvas walls to full football stadium backdrops, a wide variety of themes are available – each with options to be tailored personally, ensuring the display is uniquely meaningful to the individual being honoured.”