The floating structure, called the Borealis but nicknamed the Burple or Burble by onlookers, consisted of a helium filled balloon covered with an net of LEDs to form a moving, floating video screen. The giant bubble was flown above the crowds with pre-programmed LED video flashing across its surface in a multitude of patterns to provide maximum impact.

Utilising one of Architen Lighting’s products, the Flex Mesh LED-4, the team worked alongside Hector Serrano Studios to bring to life the unusual scheme which Hector had envisioned. Made up of hundreds of Flex Mesh nodes, the system gave Hector a simple and effective method of creating a full colour video display which, as a flexible membrane, could be molded to the shape of the balloon.

In order to create the video screen itself, the system used  three DMX universes with Pharos LPC controllers. As specialists in lighting control, the control system itself was built in house using components and expertise from our team and some of our most trusted suppliers. It was designed to be simple and user friendly, therefore the front-end control was created using a custom iPhone web application. However, it was the Pharos controllers which provided the real power, allowing us to take the clients dream and turn it into reality, by allowing us to program stunning effects to amaze the audience.

As the visual impact of the structure depended largely on its ability to fly, the weight of the system was important to the success of the scheme. The extremely light weight components are joined with a single power and data cable which dramatically reduces the weight in comparison to other systems.

Architen Lighting’s Project Manager, Christopher Rowell comments “Nothing quite like the Borealis has ever been created before and we had little time to test it out before the night so it was important that during the design and planning stage all aspects were thoroughly considered. The right materials were carefully selected to achieve the desired effect - and we’re thrilled with the results. Hours of manufacture and development were carried out in the UK in the weeks running up to the event as all components were assembled at our Chepstow factory. Despite the hard work, we were thrilled by the results - nothing could quite have prepared us for the overall effect!”

The technology used by the Borealis is bound to become a regular addition to the rock and pop scene thanks to the interactivity it brings to set design. Onlookers at the Phish Festival could not help being amazed, branding it as ‘awesome’ and ‘the next level of concert art’.