Ultra South Africa

This was the 4th year FFA was tasked to supply all the Pyrotechnics and SFX for the South African leg of the world leading EDM festival, Ultra.

The events were hosted on 24 February at the amazing Cape Town Stadium, and on 25 February at NASREC Show Grounds. Our crew of 14 pyrotechnicians worked tirelessly through lightning, rain, wind and even a bit of sun to make it all happen. With phenomenal DJs such as Dash Berlin, KSHMR, DJ Snake, David Guetta and Martin Garrix, it was destined to be a massive event.

The show demanded 2 weeks of warehouse preparations leading up to the event, as well as 2 days’ onsite setup and rigging.

Some of effects used included 800 stage mines and comets, 250 gerbs, 100 cascades, 250 litres of flame fluid, 150 litres of LPG, 5800 streamers and 300 kilograms of confetti! This was controlled using 22 cryo jets, 7 flamaniacs, 14 stadium shots, 10 confetti blowers, 8 FFA K-flames and 7 FFA T-flames.

It is always extremely difficult to set up pyrotechnics in the rain, especially when the team has travelled directly from one show to another, but the end result always makes any struggle worth it. We pulled together and the FFA boys showed the world what we’re made of! We thoroughly enjoyed the show and crowd feedback was mind-blowing! It’s so satisfying to go home at the end of the day, knowing we brought joy and excitement to so many lives.