The rig involved a selection of Robe moving lights including ROBIN 600 LEDWashes and ColorSpot 575 and 1200E ATs, chosen by Llewellyn who was LD/operator for the event for the second year running.

He needed to make the stage as versatile as possible as a performance space for the popular boutique festival, offering the wide variety of emerging and established artists playing throughout the event their own distinctive looks.

So the lighting concept needed to be as dynamic as possible for the budget.The lights were arranged across three trusses and on the floor. The back truss had four T-shaped bars added, creating a ‘virtual LX bar’ upstage.“I needed to get the absolute maximum out of each fixture,” explains Llewellyn.

The LEDWash 600s were spread out evenly along the back and mid trusses, where they were ideal for solid cross stage wash coverage. Their light weight also helped balance the weight loading of the trussing, with the ColorSpot 575s positioned to the sides.

The ColorSpot 1200E ATs were sat on top of their flight cases on the floor.The low power consumption of the LEDWash 600s was also useful as only a 63A single phase was available for lighting, and they also take up a lot less space in the truck.

Llewellyn comments, “When working in smaller venues with limited power - and the client of course always wants the best lightshow possible -  using the LED fixtures means we can now create a mini concert effect in a standard function room!”

Another bonus is a reduction in the amount of power distro kit needed when using LED units.

He adds that the LEDWash 600s are “Versatile, quick, bright …. and the zoom is amazingly dynamic” as well as the individual ring control facilitating some great ‘eye-candy’ effects for audiences!

He likes the fact that LEDWash 600s can be used for authentic PAR can emulation. Being able to change the focus positions helps give the overall impression of a much larger rig!

For Splashy Fen – particularly this year with the absence of seasonal rains – the Robes stood up well to an exceptionally dusty environment. They also handle the general humidity of the Durban area and the salinity of the sea air very well confirms Llewellyn.

Black Coffee has invested heavily in Robe products, especially in the last two years – all supplied via South African distributor DWR.

With the work schedules continually getting busier and busier and the company’s reputation for excellence spreading, the most recent purchases have included more LEDWash 600s bringing their total currently to 24, and the incredible handbag sized super-bright LEDBeam 100s.