Playing festivals is exciting but confusing for first-time touring bands. The lighting setup works completely differently from regular venues and clubs.
You can't just show up with your gear and hang it wherever you want. Festivals have strict rules, tight schedules, and shared equipment that everyone uses.
We'll break down everything you need to know. By the end, you'll understand how to prepare a festival-ready lighting package.
How a Festival Lighting Setup Works
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie7Ps5q-F7k
First, let's talk about what a typical festival looks like. Most festivals use one lighting rig that stays up all day for every band.
This rig usually includes two main trusses. One sits upstage (at the back) and one downstage (at the front). Sometimes there's a third truss in the middle.
On these trusses, you'll find a mix of different lights. Typically, half are spotlights and half are wash lights. You'll also see blinders and strobes for dramatic moments.
Now, here's the important part: this rig doesn't change between bands. Instead, each band programs its show into the existing lights.
Why Festivals Use Fixed Rigs
There's a simple reason festivals work this way. Changeover time between bands is extremely short, often just 15-30 minutes.
Therefore, there's no time to hang new lights or move existing ones. Everything needs to stay in place for the schedule to work.
Moreover, mobile festival stages have weight limits. Engineers calculate exactly how much the structure can hold, and nothing extra can be added.
As a result, most bands can't hang their own lighting. This rule applies to almost everyone except headliners, and even then, it's rare.
The Standard Festival Infrastructure
Fixtures are fixed to trusses or towers days before the event begins. Power lines, data cables, and DMX controllers are already tested by the time the first act loads in.
Festival lighting teams work with several key systems:
- Pre-programmed cues for quick transitions
- Shared DMX networks that connect all fixtures
- Central control booths are located at the front of house or the side stage
- Video walls, typically in a 16:9 format, upstage
Understanding this infrastructure helps you plan what to bring. More importantly, it shows you what's already available to use.
What You Can Bring: Ground Packages Explained
So, what can you actually bring to a festival? The answer is: anything that stays on the floor.
This is called your "ground package." Basically, it's lighting equipment that sits on the stage rather than hanging from trusses.
Think of it like this: if you can roll it on stage and plug it in quickly, you can probably use it. Conversely, if it needs to be hung or rigged, forget about it.
Your ground package is your chance to add personality to your show. For example, you might bring moving heads, LED pars, or special effect lights.
Building Your First Ground Package
Start small and simple. As a beginner, focus on fixtures that are easy to transport and set up quickly.
For instance, the GalaxyJet LED 300W 3IN1 Lighting works great for touring. It's a beam light that creates impact without a complicated setup.
Next, think about mobility. Everything should fit on rolling cases or carts that move easily.
Furthermore, all your cables need to be organized. Bundle power and DMX cables together, label them clearly, and make them road-ready.
Essential Ground Package Principles
Keep your lighting layout simple. Complex setups take too long during changeovers and create more points of failure.
Use compatible DMX addressing that won't conflict with the festival rig. Plan your address ranges before you arrive.
Pre-cable everything so it rolls on stage ready to plug in. Your entire lighting setup should connect in under 5 minutes.
Most importantly, make sure everything can handle the abuse of touring. Road cases, reinforced connectors, and quality cables are non-negotiable.
Step-by-Step: Preparing for Your First Festival
Let's walk through how to actually prepare. Following these steps will make your first festival much smoother.
Step 1: Send Your Technical Rider Early
First things first, send your technical rider at least one month before the festival. This document lists all your lighting needs.
In your rider, be realistic about what you're asking for. Remember, you're probably not headlining, so keep requests modest.
Include details about your ground package: fixture count, power requirements, DMX channels needed, and stage footprint. The more specific you are, the better.
Also, mention any special requirements. For instance, if your show uses MIDI triggers or timecode sync, state this clearly.
Step 2: Contact the Lighting Vendor
After sending your rider, reach out directly to the festival's lighting vendor. Do this 2-3 weeks before the event.
Ask them about the house rig. Specifically, find out what fixtures they're using and how many DMX channels are available.
Request the festival's patch list if possible. This document shows which fixtures are at which DMX addresses.
PLUS, ask about the console type and file format. Some festivals can pre-load your show file, which saves massive amounts of time.
Step 3: Program a Generic Festival Rig
Next, create a practice version of your show. Use your lighting software to build a basic festival rig with common fixtures.
Include typical festival elements: upstage and downstage washes, moving head spots, and side lighting. This gives you a realistic environment to program in.
This way, you can practice cloning your show before you arrive. Consequently, you'll be much faster when time is limited on site.
Run through your entire set with this generic rig. Make notes about which cues need the most adjustment when cloning.
Step 4: Pack Smart and Label Everything
Finally, pack your ground package carefully. Use lots of electrical tape to label every cable and connector.
Additionally, organize everything so you can find it quickly. Festival changeovers are chaotic, so organization saves precious time.
Create a load-in checklist. This simple document prevents you from forgetting critical items in a rush.
Pack spare cables, adapters, and a basic tool kit. These items solve common problems that pop up during setup.
Understanding Festival Consoles
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVnYPNR3C-o
Now let's talk about the lighting console you'll use. Most festivals provide a GrandMA2 as the house console.
If you've never used a GrandMA2, don't panic. However, you should learn the basics before your first festival.
Watch tutorial videos, read the manual, and practice on a simulator if possible. The more familiar you are, the less stressful the changeover will be.
Bringing Your Own Console
Alternatively, some bands bring their own console. In this case, make sure the festival can merge your controller with their system using ArtNet or sACN.
Coordinate this in advance. Some festivals require specific notice for console merging, and not all systems support it.
That said, most festivals prefer you use their console. It's simpler for everyone and saves time during changeovers.
If you do bring your own desk, make sure it's pre-programmed and ready. You won't have time to build looks from scratch on site.
Equipment Recommendations for Beginners
Let's get specific about what gear actually works well for festival touring.
1. Moving Heads
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NjQ8Ar08rg
Moving heads give you the most bang for your buck. They create dynamic effects and work for multiple songs.
Start with 2-4 moving heads in your ground package. This gives you enough impact without overwhelming your budget.
Choose fixtures with good color mixing and gobo wheels. Versatility matters when you're working with limited gear.
2. LED PAR Lights
LED Par lights handle color washes and are nearly indestructible. They're lightweight, low-power, and affordable.
Use them for stage washing and basic color fills. They're boring individually, but essential for complete looks.
Modern LED pars offer RGBW or RGBWA+UV mixing. The extra colors expand your palette significantly.
Pack 4-6 LED pars for a basic ground package. They fill gaps in the house rig and add depth to your look.
3. Strobes
Strobes create high-impact moments during drops and crescendos. One or two strobes in your ground package add punch without taking up much space. Position them strategically for maximum impact.
Modern pixel strobes create chasing effects and patterns. They're more versatile than traditional single-cell strobes.
4. Road Cases
Don't forget protection. Buy quality road cases that handle daily loading and travel.
Cheap cases fall apart quickly. Good cases are expensive upfront, but save money by protecting your investment.
Look for cases with wheels, reinforced corners, and foam padding. These features make load-in easier and protect your gear better.
Label your cases clearly on all sides. This helps venue staff and festival crews handle your equipment properly.
Festival Lighting Design Trends
Modern festival lighting is moving toward sustainable, energy-efficient designs. LED fixtures now dominate due to lower power draw and longer lifespan.
Trends shaping current setups include:
- Wireless DMX systems that cut setup time
- Weatherproof fixtures for outdoor durability
- Integrated video lighting that syncs with visuals
- Pixel mapping for detailed, creative effects
The LED 18x18W RGBWA+UV Wall Wash Lighting supports wide coverage and smooth blending. It's ideal for background color washes in festival settings.
Environmental concerns drive many of these trends. Festivals want to reduce power consumption and carbon footprint.
Additionally, wireless technology simplifies setup and reduces cable clutter. This speeds up changeovers and improves safety.
Conclusion
Festival stage lighting seems intimidating at first. However, with proper preparation, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable.
Remember the key principles: keep it simple, stay flexible, and communicate well. These fundamentals will serve you at every festival.
Once you master the basics, every setup becomes smoother and more creative. Contact us to find reliable stage lighting equipment and professional support for your next festival or event.
FAQ on Festival Stage Lighting
1. What is the best way to prepare a lighting show for festivals?
Use a pre-built show file and clone it to the festival rig. This keeps programming consistent.
2. Can I bring my own fixtures to a festival?
Yes, you can bring your own fixtures to a festival. But only floor units or small truss additions. Always confirm with the production manager first.
3. How do lighting teams manage quick band changes?
They use standard power and DMX layouts, allowing quick swaps between bands.
4. What software do lighting designers use?
Common options are MA Lighting, Avolites, and Chamsys for professional programming.
5. How do I avoid lighting conflicts with other acts?
Keep communication open. Share your show file and schedule in advance with the festival crew.
