Written by Ed Samkin
Transforming something as simple as tap water into an explosive display that shocks crowds – that’s the magic of live special effects!
The launch of SHOCK-WAVE was years in the making. It’s one of the first units of its kind engineered right here in the UK. To understand why we developed the SHOCK-WAVE Water Cannon, let’s go back to the beginning.
A Defining Moment at Wembley
Years ago, I had the opportunity to work on a run of BTS shows at Wembley Stadium for the UK leg of a global tour. I supplied the pyrotechnics and rigging brackets for the rooftop display, along with technicians and local licensing for the US based touring SFX supplier. Among many other effects, including the LUMINOUS Arena Flame system, they had planned a large-scale water effect as part of the band’s performance. However, the equipment was supplied by a Korean vendor, and it didn’t meet UK safety standards required by the venue. Somehow, the show went ahead – and when the water cannons erupted from the stage onto the crowd, it was visually spectacular.
That was when I realised there was a real need for a high-powered, show-ready water cannon that had the safety and reliability required for professional productions.
A Global Search for Better Water Effects
I kept that thought in mind, and over the coming years we got enquiries for various versions of this effect which helped me home in on a product design. Only after researching large-scale water effects around the world did I realise how much untapped potential there was. Korea’s Water Bomb festival is a great example of water cannons in action. Imagine thousands of people at a concert, absolutely drenched, and loving every second of it! The scale, the energy, and the way water became part of the experience were incredible.
It became clear to me that water effects weren’t just about the visuals – they were about creating an immersive experience. That’s when the idea for a more controlled, versatile piece of kit took shape – something that could still pack a punch in terms of impact, but without undue risk to the audience. The goal was to create an effect that was powerful and thrilling, but also practical and easy to use in a wider range of events.
Water Effects Evolution at LUMINOUS
At LUMINOUS, we’ve always pushed the boundaries of water in entertainment. Our work on the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where we recreated the canal with dynamic water effects, showed how water could tell a story. And with our most popular product, the HYDRA-TECH Digital Rain Curtain, we showed how water could become a spectacle on stage.
When we set out to develop the water cannon, we asked ourselves: How do we make water effects bigger, better, and easier to use?
The Birth of SHOCK-WAVE
The result is a high-powered water jet capable of shooting 30 metres, perfectly integrating into concerts, theme parks, and immersive events. All that, and it looks fantastic! Our engineering team built SHOCK-WAVE to meet professional production standards, meaning no last-minute safety concerns or technical compromises.
Now that SHOCK-WAVE is here, we’re seeing how it transforms performances. It’s not just about spraying water; it’s about creating a sensory experience, heightening the emotions of a show, and adding an entirely new dimension to entertainment. Whether they’re defining the peak of a concert, providing a refreshing mist at a festival, or adding drama to a water battle attraction, the possibilities are endless! We can’t wait to see how event creators use this effect.
Want to Bring SHOCK-WAVE To Your Event?
Ready to take your production to the next level? The water cannon is an essential piece of kit for the warmer months. Get in touch with us today to get your hands on the SHOCK-WAVE Water Cannon.
Want to see this effect in person? We’d be happy to arrange a demo so you can experience the impact of SHOCK-WAVE. Get in touch, and we’ll make it happen.
