Whether your event is a small village do, or a major festival, lighting is an important piece of the puzzle. Here are some things to think about with lighting your outdoor event.
Outdoor festivals are vibrant and exciting events that bring people together to celebrate music, culture and community. One crucial element that can make or break the atmosphere of an outdoor festival is lighting. Proper lighting design sets the mood and enhances the overall experience. If you’re organizing an outdoor event, no matter what size, here are some key considerations to keep in mind for your festival lighting.
When choosing your lighting, it’s important you pick fixtures that are specifically designed for outdoor use. LED lighting is a popular choice for outdoor festivals, as they are more energy efficient but still versatile. They provide bright lighting with a lower power consumption, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Make sure you consider the different areas of the festival and their specific lighting needs. For example, stage lighting needs to highlight performers and create captivating visuals that engage the audience, while architectural and decorative lighting can transform outdoor spaces, enhance the natural features of the site, and create a unique ambiance. Lighting of areas like the entrance, toilets and walkways need to focus on functionality, making sure everyone can see and keeping everyone safe.
You also need to consider the time of day for your festival – if it’s during the day only then lighting will add to your stage setup, but you will probably need haze during the performances to make it most effective. You could also consider using video for visual effects as this tends to be much brighter and therefore much more visible during the day. At night, your stage lighting will be much more effective, but you need to think much more carefully about site lighting for safety and security.
Ensure that you have a reliable power supply for your lighting setup. Consult with an electrician or a professional lighting company to determine the power requirements and make necessary arrangements. If you’re using a generator, make sure you have a backup for if it fails – the last thing you want is your site being plunged into darkness if you only have one generator and it stops working. It’s also crucial to implement proper electrical safety measures to protect both the equipment and festival attendees. Any temporary power systems should be set up to meet BS7909 standards.
Finally, consider the integration of lighting with other elements of the festival, such as sound and music performances. A great lighting operator will sync lighting cues and effects with the audio, which can create a really amazing experience for your audience.
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a mesmerizing lighting design that enhances the atmosphere, creates a memorable experience, and ensures the safety and enjoyment of everyone attending your outdoor festival.
