AUSTRALIA: Claypaky Ultimo Sharpy fixtures helped define the lighting design for SeaFire, the annual international fireworks competition held at Surfers Paradise Beach on Australia’s Gold Coast on 20 June. The 13th edition of the free, family-friendly event drew tens of thousands of spectators as Team Canada and Team Poland competed for the championship, before an Australian-themed finale closed the programme.

Brisbane-based AV equipment rental company IJS Productions Australia Pty Ltd supplied and operated the lighting, with Solomon Presnell serving as lighting designer, operator and technician. The brief was to complement the fireworks, illuminate performances between displays and establish a clear visual marker for the main event area.

The design centred on a square DJ stage on the beach, surrounded by 16 Claypaky Ultimo Sharpy fixtures. A further eight units were distributed along the beach at intervals of 20–30 metres, producing searchlight patterns that helped define the event footprint. The fixture selection reflected the demands of the outdoor location, where beam intensity, throw and weather protection were key considerations. “We chose the fixtures for their bright beam that can shine a long distance while also being IP rated – perfect for the outdoor setting,” Presnell explained.

The Ultimo Sharpy’s lamp-based source was another factor in the choice. Presnell said: “are unique as they still have a lamp. When compared to a laser source fixture I believe they look much nicer at all angles due to the hotspot in the beam. They performed excellently, looked great and had no issues.”

At IJS Productions, Jay van Lieshout is General Manager, Nathan Coleman was Account Manager for the event, Matthew McFerran handled content capture, and Josh Peltz provided technical expertise. Eventco Group’s Darren Bell and Em Biviano furnished event management.

At SeaFire, the 24 Ultimo Sharpy fixtures served both as performance lighting and as visual markers across the beachfront, supporting the event’s staging while adding long-throw beam effects to the wider fireworks spectacle.