CRYSTAL, a designer and producer of spectacular effects and decors for shows and events across the world, has partnered with Drayton Manor, part of the Looping Group, to deliver the UK’s first water, fire and multimedia shows for the Halloween and Christmas seasons.
The new end-of-day show marks two UK firsts: the most ambitious water show in the country to date and CRYSTAL’s first permanent UK installation, which follows several event-based projects delivered across the country in recent years.
Victoria Lynn, managing director at Drayton Manor, says: "This year marks our 75th anniversary, and we wanted to do something truly epic to mark the milestone. We have chosen to create something one-of-a-kind that will add a new emotional dimension to the Drayton Manor experience.
"Drayton Manor has a rich history of bringing families together over the last 75 years, and the new show will offer a fitting finale to every family day out. We can’t wait for our guests to see the incredible scale, creativity, and passion that have gone into making it the largest of its kind in the UK."
Fast-track, AI-driven project
This show celebrates Drayton Manor’s 75th anniversary by transforming the park’s iconic lake into a vibrant stage that combines water, fire, light, video, and music. As the park's daily grand finale, it offers an immersive, sensory spectacle that changes with the seasons.
CRYSTAL successfully delivered all project stages within an exceptionally tight three-month schedule.
The teams designed and engineered the installation, which was then entirely built at CRYSTAL’s workshops in France. This included mechanical, hydraulic, lighting, and special effects, made possible by full control of the production chain, ensuring a managed budget without sacrificing quality or visual impact.
The company also led artistic production, including video and audio content, as well as the logistics and international transport of all equipment.
On-site, the teams managed installation and show programming, and provided training for local operators to guarantee a seamless, fully autonomous handover of the system.
Two shows & 90+ effects
The project includes two complete 18-minute shows, the Halloween-themed Monsters and Magic, which launched on 25 October, and Christmas-themed A Christmas Miracle, which opened on 22 November. Each show presents six artistic sequences, centred on a fluid yet straightforward storyline and set to popular music.
For some years, CRYSTAL has been developing a video production process that integrates AI tools to generate 3D visuals and animations. Now fully operational, this provides a unique blend of creative and budgetary flexibility, minimising production timelines while optimising costs.
Giving CRYSTAL a standout level of artistic and financial flexibility within the sector, this approach sets the stage for more ambitious and accessible artistic projects.
Consequently, the two video pieces shown on the water screen at Drayton Manor were created in under eight weeks, thanks to the innovative visual production process developed and perfected by the CRYSTAL artistic team.
The system centres on an 80 sqm underwater platform, designed and manufactured by CRYSTAL, that supports more than 90 water, fire, and light devices. This bespoke structure offers maximum operational versatility, simplifies maintenance, and ensures seamless integration with the surrounding historic lake landscape.
The installation's effects include:
- 36 submersible LED projectors
- 13 moving “Frissons” jets reaching up to 12 metres high
- 7 straight ISOPAR flame effects reaching 8 metres
- 4 arch jets rising to 18 metres
- 4 rotating “Calice” units with 8 jets each reaching 6 metres
- 4 tilted ISOPAR flame effects
- 2 fan systems with 8 jets each reaching 8 metres
- 1 motorised Lys equipped with 4 jets of 18 metres
- 1 water screen measuring 30 by 10 metres
- and a central show-control system ensuring perfect synchronisation of all elements.
This installation, entirely designed, manufactured, and assembled in-house by CRYSTAL in France, reflects the company’s dedication to technical excellence and artistic precision.
Michel Amann, CEO and creative director at CRYSTAL, says: "We’re incredibly proud to bring our world-class water show expertise to Drayton Manor, transforming the park’s iconic lake to life at the end of the year.
"After working closely with the operations team to develop an exciting, bespoke and never-before-seen creative concept, we’re thrilled to unveil a first look at the new end-of-day show and look forward to creating an epic experience for Drayton Manor’s visitors.
"Building on our long track record of permanent water show installations in theme parks around the world, we’re especially honored by this collaboration with Drayton Manor.
"Their confidence in our services has enabled us to deliver the UK’s first and largest water show, marking a milestone moment for both the park and its guests, and we’re excited to see visitors’ reactions."
Amann, a former ice sculptor driven by a passion for transforming the elements, founded CRYSTAL in 1998. The company has since become a worldwide leader serving the event and entertainment industries.
From its integrated workshop in France, the company continuously develops patented technologies, providing a unique blend of creativity, technical accuracy, and agility.
