A Complete Guide to Event Lighting in Nairobi

Lighting is the cheapest way to transform a venue and the easiest thing to underestimate. Most events need two layers working together.

The atmosphere layer

Uplighting on walls and pillars, fairy lights and festoons overhead, lanterns and chandeliers, candle walkways at entrances. This layer decides how the room feels in photographs and how guests feel when they walk in.

The performance layer

Moving heads, PAR cans and wash lights aimed at the stage and dance floor. This layer follows the programme — soft during dinner, sharper for speeches, full energy when the DJ takes over.

Moving heads or PAR cans?

• PAR cans are fixed, affordable and perfect for washing a stage or a wall in colour.
• Moving heads pan, tilt, change colour and gobo, and are what makes a dance floor or concert feel alive.
• Most events use both — PARs for the base wash, moving heads for effect.

Plan it against the run sheet

Lighting that never changes is just decor. Give your lighting technician the programme and the room will change with the event.