Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 Giant Inflatable LED Letters

The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the annual highlights of the Formula One World Championships attracting many thousands of fans to travel from all over the globe to share in the exciting, adrenaline-fuelled atmosphere unique to motor racing at this level.

As well as those travelling to Singapore, the action is followed on television by many millions of viewers who enjoy the drama and spectacle of such an event.

To make an impact, any promotions on such a global scale need to be ambitious, dramatic and create maximum effect. The brand needs to be clearly visible, instantly recognisable and highly durable, able to withstand the high equatorial temperatures and the relentless downpours of the tropical rain.

This is where Glow Inflatables came in. For the 2018 Formula One Grand Prix they were tasked with creating the word ‘SINGAPORE’ in 9-metre-high inflatable letters which were to be illuminated by LED lights. This huge project was led by the world-renowned Singapore-based company Hexogon Solutions who specialise in light projections and effects technology for major global events. They sought the expertise of a reliable and efficient company to provide the inflatables hence they outsourced this aspect of the promotion to Glow Inflatables based in the UK. The rationale was to create a centrepiece that would be visible from the air; this is essential because much of the race coverage is filmed by helicopters and drones. The incorporation of LED lights within the inflatable letters would also tie in well with the lights that would be adorning a feature Ferris-wheel and the whole of the 3146-mile circuit supplied by Hexogon Solutions.

Initially prototypes of the nine-foot inflatable letters and associated apparatus were constructed and sent for testing by the client after which any necessary adjustments were made. For example, custom-made rain shields were added to the fans which inflated the letters so as not to be affected by the adverse weather conditions. It was imperative that the LED illuminated inflatables could withstand temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius as they were to be sited on a metal roof often under full sun. Fire-rated certificates were subsequently awarded for the fabrications without any difficulty.

As the production process continued, nothing was too much trouble for the Glow Inflatables team.

Hexogon Solutions readily approved the prototypes and the final preparations were made to have the installation completed in good time for the Grand Prix.

Working closely with the client, the Glow Inflatables team made sure all the specifications were met and delivered in time for the installation beforehand and ultimately for their implementation at the event. A clear set of instructions was provided which showed each step of the installation process in detail both in writing and pictorially. In the unlikely event of any subsequent queries, the UK team were on standby for support. Glow Inflatables also sent a team of local operatives out to Singapore to provide expert assistance in the completion of the initial installation and to provide any remedial maintenance of the giant LED lettering.

The Glow Inflatables mantra is “Ideas made visual”. This was certainly the case with this inspiring project. The team worked around the clock to ensure that the illuminated letters were an accurate representation of the font provided by the clients with the crisp lines and contrasting red and white sections unaffected by their subsequent inflation. All nine enormous letters were then expertly installed on top of the pit stop with the team ensuring that each piece lay totally flat on the surface of the roof so that they could be seen in all their glory from any camera angle.

The results were stunning and provided a striking visual focal point for the whole of the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix coverage to be admired by the millions of fans all over the world. The clever use of LED lighting also helped to extend the impact of the display from day to night-time.

One of the other important considerations for this project was the durability of the product. The event organisers were keen to utilise these fabulous 9-metre-high inflatable letters on more than one occasion for financial and environmental reasons. Being able to reuse the letters has proved to be both cost-effective and surprisingly straightforward. Glow Inflatables ensured that each installation could be easily dismantled and packed away so that they could be used for a further five years at subsequent Grand Prix events. Such is the personal investment and commitment from the team at Glow Inflatables, they will always be on hand to support and advise on future installations.

This on-going relationship between Glow Inflatables and their international clients sets them apart from their competitors. Hexogon Solutions were extremely impressed with the seamless service that they were afforded by Glow Inflatables throughout the process particularly given the time difference.

With their close attention to detail and excellent communication skills, Glow Inflatables have proved to be an invaluable part of any team with which they have the privilege to work.