The Purple Guide
  • The Purple Guide
  • Purple Guide Lite
  • Other Guidance
    • THE WELFARE HANDBOOK
      • Introduction
      • Part One – Planning & preparing to provide a welfare service
      • Part Two – Welfare team guidelines
      • Part Three – Forms
    • FURTHER READING
      • The Circus Safety Toolkit
      • Martyn's Law
      • Ban on Single Use Plastics and Polystyrene
      • Making Sure Those Working for You are Allowed to Work
  • FAQs
  • Subscribe
  • Login
The Purple Guide
  • The Purple Guide
  • Purple Guide Lite
  • Other Guidance
    • THE WELFARE HANDBOOK
    • Introduction
    • Part One – Planning & preparing to provide a welfare service
    • Part Two – Welfare team guidelines
    • Part Three – Forms
    • FURTHER READING
    • The Circus Safety Toolkit
    • Martyn's Law
    • Ban on Single Use Plastics and Polystyrene
    • Making Sure Those Working for You are Allowed to Work
  • FAQs
  • Subscribe
  • Login

Special Effects

Updated: 8 December 2025

Please note: The information contained in this guide provides pointers to legislation and good practice that should be considered by event organisers. However, it is industry guidance and does not necessarily cover everything that organisers need to consider for a particular event.

Special effects can add spectacle to an event but they need careful management by suitably trained and competent operators as they can pose a serious risk if mismanaged.

Key Points

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

What the Law Says

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

Planning for Safety

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

Theatrical & Stage Pyrotechnics

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

Smoke & Vapour Effects

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

Flame Effects

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

Display Lasers

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

High-Power (Scenic) Projectors

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

High-Power Projectors

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

General Requirements

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

Strobe Lights & Equipment Capable of Strobing

 

Login or subscribe to read more …

In this chapter

  • Key Points
  • What the Law Says
  • Planning for Safety
  • Theatrical & Stage Pyrotechnics
  • Smoke & Vapour Effects
  • Flame Effects
  • Display Lasers
  • High-Power (Scenic) Projectors
  • High-Power Projectors
  • General Requirements
  • Strobe Lights & Equipment Capable of Strobing
Show
  • Forgot your username?
  • Forgot your password?

Acknowledgements

Lincoln Parkhouse
James Stewart, LVR Optical 

  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. Special Effects

The Purple Guide is produced by
The Events Industry Forum
c/o The Engine Rooms, Station Road, Chepstow, NP16 5PB

 
© COPYRIGHT 2026 The Events Industry Forum - Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Login | Home