PTA Laser Shows

Written for PTA event planners and updated for 2024 season.

We do a great deal of work with PTAs and other similar voluntary organisations and groups. We fully understand the hurdles faced when planning an event such as a Laser or Fireworks show, especially if you are new to the role. We make it our goal to make this as simple as possible allowing you to concentrate on the other details of your event.

Lets start by providing all the information you need right away with what we provide as standard:

  • 10 Minute Laser show synchronised to music (We are considering extending this to 15 for 2024, but consider it as 10 for now).
  • 50 watts in total of Lasers power. Laser power directly relates to brightness. The greater the watts the brighter a show).
  • Substantial PA system (which can also be used for PA announcements) which easily will cover audiences up to and beyond 1000 spectators.
  • Submission of NOTAMs to the CAA.
  • 5m public liability Insurance.

In addition we can provide a mobile 20Kva Generator where sufficient power is not accessible or available (+£150) and any of our other services we offer as required. It is not possible to power this standard package from 13 amp usual mains sockets.

How much does it cost?

The 2024 cost for our shows is £1400. This includes travel for 50miles/1hr from our base. We will quote individually for events beyond this.

Please note all prices are +VAT, and VAT invoices will be provided.

How do our shows work?

We apply our experience gained from more than 20 years of professional firework displays and apply this to our Laser shows. As standard we use 4 Laser projectors and position these across a 20-40m wide show area. These are set back from the audience by around 30-50meters. The PA system sits around 10-20m back from the audience. This is all controlled from our show control which is usually within our vehicle. Whilst this is far more involved and laborious during setup and break down than a self contained trailer (or similar) which we see some of our competitors do, it gives the Laser show an uncompromised level of scale and ability to impress.

In addition we provide smoke machines and fans which provide the cloud effects people love so much with Lasers. These we position upwind of the Lasers and this adds greatly to the impact of the Lasers.

Does the weather influence or cause problems with a show?

The UK is no stranger to changes in weather, and we have pretty much seen it all! The short answer is however that as long as we can get access, and there are no MET office weather warnings in place, we can go ahead with the show., but lets explain how the weather impacts a Laser show in more detail.

Rain

Not a problem. We can (and have) continued with our Laser shows in some truly heavy rain. Lasers actually look magical in the rain, the beams reflect off the rain droplets and look amazing in the air.

Wind

The only time wind impacts a Laser show is with our smoke machines. We position our smoke machines upwind, but changes in wind can cause issues. We mitigate this by using more than one smoke machine and also have large fans to help. There are some cases however were we just cannot make this work for example in small sites tight venues.

Very dry weather (hot and cold)

Lasers are made visible by impurities in the air for the beams to reflect on, that could be water, dust, pollen, even pollution(!). Very dry summer days and frosty winter days tend to dry the air out making the beams less visible. This is why we use smoke machines to enhance the viability of the beams. The problem is when the wind is changing directions rapidly as explained above. Worse case scenario is the beams just don't look as vivid as we would like.

Location/Obstacles

There are two considerations here. We cannot for safety reasons aim our Lasers where they may hit or make contact with either the audience or any member of public. This includes pointing on buildings where there are windows where the Lasers may pass through into persons within a building.

In addition we also cannot use our Lasers within close proximity of an air port or its flight paths without prior notice (Airports get very nervous about this) That's not to say it's not possible to have a Laser show near Gatwick or Heathrow for example, it just means there are additional considerations which we need to look at.

Summary

This page will be updated as we answer more specifically related questions in relation to PTA Laser shows. Feel free to drop us a message or give us a call if you have any questions.