Dazzling display of lights and music spreads a touch of magic
The dazzling display of lights and music is not just about decoration, it is a gift to the neighbourhood, spreading warmth, happiness, and a touch of magic during the festive season.
The property of Michael Gericke at 8 Eland Street, Jordaan Park, will turn into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights, figurines and classical Christmas tunes.
The Christmas light show is for all to see and should be up by November 14.
Gericke’s interest in a light show started a year ago. He said has not been in South Africa for the past three years over Christmas. However, his wife Mare loves decorating for most occasions but Christmas is her speciality.
“I was absorbed by my wife’s enthusiasm and started putting a few lights out in the garden.
“Nicolene Neveling, who serves on the Jordaan Park Forum, further fueled the interest by having a Jordaan Park community competition for the best light show,” Gericke said.
In January, Gericke furthered his interest by investigating light shows and found projector and pixel light shows popular and common in the USA.
“I started studying the software to control the lights and got hooked. I travelled to Florida, USA in February where I attended the Tom Betgeorge Amazing Lights Academy. I purchased most of the lights and electronics in the USA and returned with a new passion and hobby,” Gericke continued.
It takes Gericke about four months to build the props on which the lights are mounted and to install approximately 4km of network and electrical cable around the yard.
Once that preparation is done, it takes another three days to mount and connect the props to their respective locations and controllers.
The system has a main computer, one main controller and seven remote receivers with an FM transmitter all networked together. This means viewers can listen to synchronised music and see lights from the comfort of their vehicles.
According to Gericke, unassembling everything is quick and takes about four hours. The cabling is left in place for the next season.
“The most time-consuming process is programming a sequence to music,” Gericke said and added depending on the song and inspiration, it can take as long as three to four weeks to programme one song or sequence.
The dazzling display is not just about decoration, it is a gift to the neighbourhood, spreading warmth, happiness, and a touch of magic during the festive season.
You can also use the light show for occasions like Valentine’s Day.
Gericke welcomes everyone to experience the Christmas light and music show.
For more information, contact him on 082 557 4624.
