Northern Preston Guild Lights

Cliff · Post by **Cliff** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 8:42 pm

Dear Brian (et al)
I now refer to your fairly recent previous comments elsewhere on this chat forum.
I have similar concerns to yourself about clouds and rain in my vicinity (Greater Manchester) as you do yourself, not very far to my north.
However, I've got to ask - have you observed or noticed any effects\problems related to the new (I understand now in use) laser light display above Preston (apparently justified on the basis of celebrating this year being Our Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the dreaded Preston Guild (once every 25 years !).
I first heard about Preston's laser display on TV news a few days ago. It was said the bright "rainbow-ish" display would be in operation every night for a week or two,during evening hours up to midnight, and visible from possibly 40 to 50 miles (although an internet source seems to suggest 12 miles distance).
I live about 35 miles from Preston but haven't seen anything of the laser display as yet.
I think you might be located a bit closer to Preston than me. Have you seen the Preston lasers yet ?
Incidentally I understand the laser display has been designed by a lady American artist. If that is the case I cann't help wondering how much Preston might have paid the artist involved ?
Best wishes from Cliff

LeoLion · Post by **LeoLion** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 2:26 pm

The lady artist involved with the display is Yvette Mattern http://ymattern.wordpress.com/ and it would seem the same display (created in January 2009 ) has been hawked accross the US of A , Germany , Austria, Italy & the Netherlands (and perhaps in 2012 we are 'tail end charlies ?). The lasers are of US origin & supply. The Arts Council seem to think it has something to do with the Olympics http://press.artscouncil.org.uk/Press-R ... 2-5f5.aspx though I can' t see the connection myself . Next stop for the light show is Ireland . I do wonder what this three year old laser artwork is costing in this third year of austerity.
Lets spend some money and save by turning lights off. Rant over

brian livesey · Post by **brian livesey** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 5:06 pm

I live about 15 miles west of Preston, but I haven't noticed the laser problem so far.
It's possible that, for me, the beam's obscured by trees and hills. I hope the fad doesn't catch on with other local councils.

Cliff · Post by **Cliff** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 6:20 pm

Dear Brian and LeoLion
Thank you both for commenting.
Leo: Although I didn't know before seeing your post, tI am not really surprised that the laser display has previously been used in a variety of countries already. The World's arty_arty clique seem to have a knack of commanding large fees for all sorts of works of art of what are in my opinion of very dubious merit. For quite a few years now there have been a variety of laser displays from time to time over Manchester (although I haven't seen any just recently). So why Preston have needed to employ an American specialist artist I do not know - I suspect a local aristic electrician could well have done the job (if not it might have made a good project for a North West University student or two.
Brian : I think one internet source reckons the Preston laser display might be visible from 12 miles so you might escape its horrors.
Best wishes from Cliff

brian livesey · Post by **brian livesey** » Tue Mar 13, 2012 11:12 am

Wait 'til they start laser-beaming COKE adverts on the Moon.