Belgian National Day celebration 2023

Painting with Light (PWL) was asked by the Agoria Sports and Entertainment Technology Club on behalf of the SIBP (Syndicat d'Initiative Bruxelles Promotion) to develop a spectacular light show with lasers and fireworks to mark the conclusion of Belgium's National Day 2023. The event, called "Happy Belgium", took place in Brussels and also marked the 10th anniversary of King Philippe's coronation.

The 15-minute finale, with breathtaking visual moments, took place at the Cinquantenaire Arcade and attracted 60,000 visitors and a large TV audience.

PWL worked closely with Laser System Europe (LSE) for the lighting and pyrotechnics specialist Arteventia provided the impressive fireworks. The show was supported by a special soundtrack.

Challenge

The main challenge was to combine the three completely different components - lights, lasers and fireworks - into a high-impact show that could capture the audience's attention after the 2-hour music festival.

It had to be dynamic and vibrant, with a striking contrast to end the evening unforgettably. It showcased the very best of Belgian talent and technology, and left a lasting impression on everyone.

Result

We worked brilliantly as a team and enjoyed great communication and understanding of each other in formulating a great audience experience. The final show was fully timecoded and synched to the music track.

While all of us involved work on massive events worldwide, it was a very proud and magical moment to be producing and presenting such a unique live experience on this huge scale for our own country and highlighting our heritage, history and one of the country’s landmark monuments. This really resonated in highlighting some of the original and creative show and production talent right here in Belgium!

Pictures by Frederic Lepla & Nathan Awouters

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Public spaces

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Team

Luc Peumans As a child, Luc was already fascinated by light and technology, which inspired him to study engineering alongside his musical hobbies. His passion for light took off when he became a member of the Symbolica dance theatre. During his studies, he gained his first work experience as a light technician, designer and operator for national and international concerts and shows. This was the seed for the establishment of Painting with Light in 1999. Luc is a creative perfectionist who will never shy away from a challenge. He cherishes time with his two children Sam and Bo, and he also likes being on a golf course. He cites the “Clouseau in het Lang” concert from 2005 and the 2018 musical project ‘40-‘45 as memorable challenges, that succeeded thanks to groundbreaking and enthusiastic teamwork. Should we even mention that he is proud as punch of his team?
Sieben Vannuffelen Sieben arrived at Painting with Light on a summer breeze halfway through 2021. He is our newest light programmer and operator. Although ‘new’ is not the right word, because he completed his internship with us. He already feels right at home in our main office. He will be lighting both fixed installations and shows (musicals, concerts, TV shows, etc.). His first project was the musical Daens, which he thoroughly enjoyed being part of. He has a positive attitude, will stubbornly carry on until a problem is resolved, and has the necessary resilience to stress. He says his best experience up to now is the Clouseau concerts, which he helped prepare during his internship.
Tibo Spiessens Lighting is something that Tibo doesn’t take lightly. As a passionate lighting fan, he’s been working as a lighting professional for five years. He joined Painting with Light on 6 December 2021: St. Nicholas’ Day! We must have been very well-behaved to get a talented lighting programmer and operator like Tibo as a gift. He works hard preparing lighting stands and programming music in the studio. Then he makes the necessary modifications on site to ensure each show runs optimally. He has extensive knowledge of Light Table software, enjoys being creative and has just one goal together with the PWL crew: to put on a great show.
Jeroen Opsteyn Jeroen is a busy man, who has been giving his all as a light programmer and designer at Painting with Light for the last 6 years. Every day, he tries to come up with a new show in a creative way. He really is an ambiance creator who is quick and adept at programming shows. He enjoys the satisfaction of seeing everything come together during the first show after an intense start-up, and the positive reactions from the audience. As a loyal team player, giving away house secrets is not his thing: after all, what happens on tour ... He has particularly find memories of The Bodyguard, his first ‘big’ musical project at Painting with Light. It cost him six weeks of blood, sweat, and tears, but the result was a definite hit.

Year 2023

Destinations

Public spaces

Shows

Services

Team

Luc Peumans As a child, Luc was already fascinated by light and technology, which inspired him to study engineering alongside his musical hobbies. His passion for light took off when he became a member of the Symbolica dance theatre. During his studies, he gained his first work experience as a light technician, designer and operator for national and international concerts and shows. This was the seed for the establishment of Painting with Light in 1999. Luc is a creative perfectionist who will never shy away from a challenge. He cherishes time with his two children Sam and Bo, and he also likes being on a golf course. He cites the “Clouseau in het Lang” concert from 2005 and the 2018 musical project ‘40-‘45 as memorable challenges, that succeeded thanks to groundbreaking and enthusiastic teamwork. Should we even mention that he is proud as punch of his team?
Sieben Vannuffelen Sieben arrived at Painting with Light on a summer breeze halfway through 2021. He is our newest light programmer and operator. Although ‘new’ is not the right word, because he completed his internship with us. He already feels right at home in our main office. He will be lighting both fixed installations and shows (musicals, concerts, TV shows, etc.). His first project was the musical Daens, which he thoroughly enjoyed being part of. He has a positive attitude, will stubbornly carry on until a problem is resolved, and has the necessary resilience to stress. He says his best experience up to now is the Clouseau concerts, which he helped prepare during his internship.
Tibo Spiessens Lighting is something that Tibo doesn’t take lightly. As a passionate lighting fan, he’s been working as a lighting professional for five years. He joined Painting with Light on 6 December 2021: St. Nicholas’ Day! We must have been very well-behaved to get a talented lighting programmer and operator like Tibo as a gift. He works hard preparing lighting stands and programming music in the studio. Then he makes the necessary modifications on site to ensure each show runs optimally. He has extensive knowledge of Light Table software, enjoys being creative and has just one goal together with the PWL crew: to put on a great show.
Jeroen Opsteyn Jeroen is a busy man, who has been giving his all as a light programmer and designer at Painting with Light for the last 6 years. Every day, he tries to come up with a new show in a creative way. He really is an ambiance creator who is quick and adept at programming shows. He enjoys the satisfaction of seeing everything come together during the first show after an intense start-up, and the positive reactions from the audience. As a loyal team player, giving away house secrets is not his thing: after all, what happens on tour ... He has particularly find memories of The Bodyguard, his first ‘big’ musical project at Painting with Light. It cost him six weeks of blood, sweat, and tears, but the result was a definite hit.

Year 2023

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