Advances in Music Festival Lighting Technology and Changing Regulations

Great light shows are part of the music festival experience and work in conjunction with sound systems to deliver slick artist sets. The technology being used for festival stage lighting shows is advancing and evolving rapidly. What is new and emerging from lighting suppliers and what other considerations are there for installing and creating great light shows?

Technological advancements are changing what is possible for the creation and production of light shows for music festivals but this must be developed in line with sustainability and regulatory requirements which are becoming more important for lighting installations. Festival organisers will need to work with lighting suppliers who are embracing new technology and delivering solutions that meet their sustainability objectives and comply with prevailing regulations. 

Lighting Technology and Innovation. 
Most lights used for stage lighting shows have now transitioned to LED lights, mainly due to greater energy efficiency, being longer lasting and easier to program for dynamic displays. Lighting engineers and installers now utilise smart control systems which allow them to create amazing light shows synchronised with the music played. These control systems are increasingly being used for projection mapping which can create immersive visuals on stages and in crowds. In some cases, lighting companies use lasers to create holographic artistic effects although these can be challenging to program and are expensive. 

Sustainable Lighting Solutions. 
The key for lighting suppliers is the use of energy efficient lights combined with technology to reduce the overall environmental impact. The power sources for lighting installations is a key consideration and although solar and wind are options in remote locations the power generated is really only suitable for small stages and passive lighting for vendor zones for example. Lights can consume large amounts of electricity and organisers are increasingly moving to the use of generators powered by bio fuels or hydrogen to reduce the carbon footprint. Innovative light designs have enabled beam shaping during light shows that can reduce glare and light pollution, which is an increasingly popular concern. Lighting manufacturers and suppliers are now using more recycled or upcycled materials in their production of parts and fixtures for installations to help reduce waste. 

Regulatory Requirements. 
Most countries and regions have implemented regulatory measures that is forcing lighting suppliers to transition to the use of more efficient LEDs. At the same time use of fluorescent lighting systems are being phased out and is forming part of the transition process. The published rules and enforcement vary from country to country but it is likely that there will be an emergence of lighting-related energy codes to improve comprehension and compliance among contractors and festival organisers to ensure safer and more efficient lighting installations. Light pollution is a subject being discussed by authorities because of the impact on local residents and the environment. It is likely that the near future will see enforced limits on brightness, spill and skyward projections which can affect wildlife. Use of lighting shows at festivals is also covered by numerous health and safety measures designed to protect audiences. This is particularly relevant to the use of lasers which must not be beamed directly at audiences along with limits on light brightness to prevent eye strain or injury. Most lighting shows are also restricted from over use of flashing and stroboscopic effects as these can trigger photosensitive epilepsy in some.  

For festival organisers planning their next events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

Image by manfredrichter via Pixabay

<< Back to articles