London Eye - New Year's Eve 1999

A 3 watt DPSS (Diode Pumped Solid State) laser fitted into a purpose built lectern located at the RAF memorial on Victoria Embankment was triggered by Tony Blair which shot to the centre hub of the British Airways London Eye. This started a three minute choreographed show including Laser, Lights, Pyro and Sound and the first public turning of the wheel.

A 50 watt nd:YAG laser situated in a purpose built hut behind the wheel answered with a beam and spatial show through the wheel itself and off into the night sky of London. After the show we continued lighting up the wheel with laser light until the massive firework show at Midnight.

DPSS and YAG laser technology allows dynamic outdoor events to be achieved with minimal resources compared to older ION technology. No need for external water supplies and three phase power means the units can go virtually anywhere. With set up times dramatically reduced, much more time can be spent on getting the look of the show just right.

Laser show programming, operation and project management: Ronnie Barker, Laser Grafix

Event conceived and produced by Park Avenue Productions