UV Light
Knowledge
Event Production
By Penny Sandford-Hughes
UV Light

Have you ever found yourself captivated by the powerful glow of white or light fabrics, seemingly emitting their own radiant light in the darkness? This is all produced with the use of UV light.

The Science Behind the Glow

The pop of luminescent colours are made from the unique properties of ultraviolet (UV) light. When we perceive light as white, our brains are actually interpreting the merging of all colour rays, from the long-wavelength red to the short-wavelength violet. UV light exists just beyond the range of human perception, but when it interacts with lighter materials and fabrics, it triggers a luminescent glow. This enchanting effect creates the illusion of these materials radiating light, offering a magical and visually stunning experience.

A Nostalgic Return

UV lighting's popularity dates back to the iconic disco and early rave scenes of the 70s and 80s, where it cast a spell of enchantment over dance floors. After a period of relative dormancy, UV light is making a triumphant return as a sought-after element in event design. PYTCH, among others, is harnessing the power of UV lighting to create captivating light trails and immersive experiences, such as our UV installation at Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas, with the artistry of the amazing Beverley Dawn Gustar.

Technological Advancements

The resurgence of UV lighting in events is facilitated by technological advancements. In the early days, sodium discharge lamps with phosphor filters were employed to selectively allow only UV frequencies to pass through. Today, we leverage low-powered LED fixtures that efficiently illuminate entire event spaces and forests with UV light while consuming minimal power. This evolution in technology has made UV lighting more accessible and versatile than ever before.

As the world of event design continues to evolve, UV lighting emerges as a timeless and captivating choice. Join us in the video below as we illuminate the night with the mesmerising glow of UV light, explaining in further detail UV light and with a showcase of our UV light installation: