Solved: Puzzle over Telford's missing laser beams - with pictures
Technical issues and poor weather meant Telford’s lasers went slightly off beam as the town’s 50th year was launched.
Seven lasers were supposed to shine from across the borough, converging on The Wrekin.
But for part of the first night only two beams were actually operational. Today Telford & Wrekin Council said it was happy with the lasers, which it described as ‘symbolic’.
It said six lasers were shining by 6pm on the first night and that it was always likely the beams would be affected by factors such as the weather and ambient light.
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Only two lasers were initially lit at 5pm on Monday. They were later joined by others as the technical issues were worked out – but not before people in the town started speculating about the missing beams.
Even after the lights were switched on, not everybody was able to see them.
Telford & Wrekin Council today said it was happy with the display. It said it had never promised anything particularly ‘spectacular’.
Monica Floristean from Telford & Wrekin Council said: “The laser art installation marks the start of Telford 50’s anniversary year and of the celebrations planned, with the lasers symbolically bringing communities, people and places together.
“Our intention has always been to focus on the laser’s symbolic meaning, not any spectacular effect and we hope that last night more people were able to see the lasers crossing their communities and share their views of them.
“However the nature of such an art installation is that not everyone can see it and we have always said this can be affected by factors such as the weather, ambient light and where exactly you are.”
Residents took to social media when it became clear that things were not working as planned on Monday. Many were asking where the lasers were or where they could best be seen.
Despite a number of complaints, many people were happy to see the green lasers shine towards one of Shropshire’s most popular landmarks.
The pictures shared by the council received hundreds of likes and shares on Facebook, and dozens of photos of the lasers were shared via the #TF50Light hashtag on Twitter.
The display was designed by laser artist Dal Badial in an effort to highlight the Telford50 theme of light.
Light, organisers said, symbolises celebration and the borough’s bright future.
Future events to celebrate the borough’s anniversary will include the Place in the Park events in August, with two weeks of performances at Telford Town Park by the likes of Al Murray, Dara O Briain and Boyzlife.
For more details on the Telford50 programme visit telford50.co.uk
