Lighting the Sky for ‘Bloom’ – Upswing’s Spectacular Performance in Shipley
As part of Bradford’s City of Culture celebrations, Bloom by Upswing transformed Shipley town centre into a breathtaking aerial spectacle. The performance combined circus, dance, and theatre in a unique outdoor setting, celebrating themes of growth, resilience, and connection. Against a backdrop of music and light, performers soared high above the audience, symbolising how communities thrive when people come together.
For dBS Solutions, being part of this ambitious production was both an honour and a challenge. We were brought on board by Production Manager Adam Long to deliver the complete lighting package for Lighting Designer Craig West’s vision. Though joining the project late in the process, our team quickly worked from Craig’s detailed design to help realise the show’s creative ambitions. With our experience in outdoor performance and large-scale events, we were able to support the project with both technical expertise and the hands-on skill of our lighting engineers.
The lighting design was built around creating a sense of wonder and movement while ensuring reliability in the unpredictable British weather. To achieve this, the rig featured a robust selection of IP-rated fixtures, all chosen for their output, versatility, and durability. The setup included Ayrton Rivale profiles, Chauvet Rogue Outcast BeamWashes, more than twenty Chauvet Reve IP Profiles, and our Colorado Q40 LED panels, complemented by 72X Battens to wash the performance area in rich colour and texture.
To enhance the visual depth and energy of the show, we also supplied GLP G-7 Beasts, Impression X5 Bars, and Chauvet Pixel Curve 12s — delivering dynamic effects that followed the performers’ every move. The resulting palette of light brought Craig West’s design to life, highlighting the fluidity of the aerial work while shaping the emotional tone of each scene.
As with many outdoor events, the weather was a constant factor. Rain and wind made the installation particularly demanding, but the IP-rated fixtures ensured the show remained resilient and visually stunning throughout. Production electricians Nick and George led the delivery on-site, managing tight time frames with road closures, evolving schedules, and limited dark-time rehearsals with calm professionalism and good humour. Their ability to problem-solve on the fly and adapt to changing plans kept the project on track from start to finish.
Lighting Designer Craig West praised the team’s commitment and creativity:
“The dBS team joined very late in the process but had clearly thought through every detail — from rigging to weatherproofing. Nick and George went above and beyond, problem-solving on the fly and keeping spirits high through long nights. Their support was invaluable and made the project a joy to deliver.”
For dBS Solutions, Bloom was a perfect example of collaboration at its best — where artistry, technology, and teamwork come together to create something truly memorable. We’re proud to have supported Upswing and Bradford 2025 in lighting up Shipley with such a powerful celebration of creativity, community, and connection. If you are planning a large scale event indoors or out why not see how our team can help today?
