Dark Mofo, the renowned winter festival held in Tasmania, captivated audiences once again this year with its immersive and provocative displays. Among the many highlights of Dark Mofo 2023, one name stood out as the mastermind behind the awe-inspiring special effects: Skylighter Fireworks.
With their expertise and creativity, Skylighter Fireworks transformed the festival into a mesmerizing spectacle, leaving spectators in awe night after night.
As the official special effects supplier for Dark Mofo 2023, Skylighter Fireworks took on the immense task of providing full turnkey services for the event. Their contributions were felt throughout the festival, most notably during the Winterfeast event. With a diverse range of effects including close proximity comets, mines, Catherine wheels, and fountains, Skylighter Fireworks created an atmosphere of chaos, change, and theatrics that perfectly complemented the festival’s ambiance.
One of the most anticipated moments of Dark Mofo 2023 was the annual Ogoh Burning, where over 16,000 spectators gathered to witness the symbolic purging of the city’s fears. It was Skylighter Fireworks’ responsibility to add the perfect touch of pyrotechnics to this momentous occasion. With their expertise as special effects supervisors and product suppliers, they executed their vision flawlessly. Over 250 individual strands of waterfall and pyrotechnics were strategically utilized to set the Ogoh structure ablaze, creating a mesmerizing display that captivated all in attendance.
The challenging weather conditions and unpredictable winds were no match for Skylighter Fireworks. With their state-of-the-art firing systems, specifically designed to withstand adverse weather, they successfully executed over 10 displays across the two-week festival. This level of professionalism and dedication ensured that Dark Mofo 2023 remained a visually stunning experience for all visitors.
Leading the team of skilled pyrotechnicians was Festival’s Pyro Artist, Alex Podger. With his artistic vision and meticulous attention to detail, Podger brought the festival to life with his mesmerizing displays. Working alongside him was Skylighter’s Project Manager and Special Effects Supervisor, Dale Norris, who played a crucial role in the seamless execution of the special effects. Together, they formed an unstoppable duo, delivering unforgettable experiences night after night.
Dark Mofo’s Dark Park was transformed into a realm of enchantment and excitement, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the festival’s talented team. The intricate pyre design, conceptualized by Robin Gibbons and Alex Podger, added another layer of visual splendor to the festival’s overall aesthetic.
The contributions of Skylighter Fireworks, Alex Podger, Dale Norris, and their team of skilled pyrotechnicians elevated Dark Mofo 2023 to new heights.
Their ability to create magical moments through their craft was well received by attendees, who were left in awe of the festival’s grandeur. Dark Mofo continues to push boundaries and challenge perceptions, and with Skylighter Fireworks on board, the future of the festival looks even brighter.
As the curtains close on Dark Mofo 2023, we can’t help but reflect on the remarkable impact pyrotechnic delight had on this year’s edition. The team’s dedication, expertise, and creativity allowed festival-goers to experience a spectacle like no other.
- Winterfeast Project Manager: Rosie Dowie
- Ogoh Project Manager: Matt Woodham
- Construction: Robin Gibbons, Tas Parry, Patrik Marsh
- Burning Crew: Lily Podger, Andrew Linton, Jack Batty, Benjamin Emerton
- Site Manager and Rigger: Marguerite Carson
- Fire Artist / Burning Director: Alex Podger
- Ogoh Director: Ian Pidd
- Ogoh Producers: Cas Charles and Kaz Ross
- Music by Stevie MacEntee
- Dark Park Site Manager: Dan Rooke
- Audio and Lighting: VJAM