The thirteenth edition of ParkCity Live took place on the last weekend of June in Heerlen’s Bekkerveld park (The Netherlands). Infinity and Showtec lighting products played a prominent role this year, bringing both the main stage and the dance tent to life.
This two-day festival has become famous for its diverse lineup, relaxed atmosphere, and high production values. With performances ranging from rock and pop to dance and comedy, the event once again attracted thousands of visitors from across the Southern Limburg region and beyond.
The technical production was handled by SLF Group Rental + Sales B.V., which has been working closely with ParkCity Live for over twelve years. Managing Director Danny Juretzko personally oversaw the entire festival production throughout the collaboration. He has also been responsible for the lighting of the main stage for the past three years, relying on lighting designer Wesley Houben, who took care of both the design and on-site operation.
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“Of course it is important to have a beautiful stage and great photos,” explains Danny, “but what really matters to us is that the experience for both the technicians and the artists is positive.” That is exactly what happened this year. Highlite’s Infinity Furion series proved to be a solid alternative to hired equipment, offering comparable quality at a significantly lower cost, something especially important when working with a large number of fixtures.
The main stage featured a powerful and versatile setup that included 22 Infinity Furion H402 Hybrid fixtures, 6 Furion P602 Profile units, and 6 Furion S602 Spot fixtures. This combination allowed for a wide range of lighting effects to suit the festival’s diverse program. Wesley was particularly impressed with the performance of the Furion S602 Spot units in daylight: “The sun was shining directly on the stage, but the result of the session was still excellent.” His satisfaction with the equipment was clear: “Next year I’d like to use Furion fixtures again, it’s that simple. I’m very happy with the gear.” Wesley also uses Highlite products in other productions, such as Medammecour, where he incorporates both Furion fixtures and RDM Infinity iW-741 units.
The dance tent adopted a futuristic space-neon-cyberpunk theme, complemented by an eye-catching lighting design. The rig included 14 Infinity Furion FX402 Bar units, 24 Furion W402 WashBeam units, 30 Showtec Shark - The Meg - Beam One units, and 24 Phantom 1220 Zoombar units. The Furion FX402 Bars, with their stroboscopic pixel capabilities, were key in creating sharp, laser-like effects that enhanced the immersive environment. “Thanks to them, you can create futuristic laser lines—it looks amazing,” said Wesley.
A notable feature of the production was the collaboration with Vista College, now in its second year. Students compete to design the lighting concept for the dance tent, and the winning design is implemented professionally. Danny sees this as a real opportunity for everyone: “The students save us time with their designs and, in return, we provide them with valuable insights that help prepare them for their future careers.” It is a great example of how ParkCity Live supports not only artists but also the next generation of technical talent.
The Showtec Stage Blinder FLEX Blaze was another highlight, with 68 units deployed throughout the venue. These powerful fixtures delivered wide and impactful visuals and were even repurposed from the dance tent to the main stage when additional blinders were needed. “It is possible to create a lot of visual impact with affordable tools,” Wesley added.
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Although Danny rarely has the chance to enjoy the shows from the audience’s perspective, there are moments when he stands at the side of the stage to take it all in. “Watching 17,500 people enjoy themselves gives me goosebumps. This is what I work for.”
