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Trafalgar Square fountains cascade in colour for 2012
Peter Dominiczak29 May 2009
Trafalgar Square's fountains have had a makeover to prepare for a spectacular 2012 Olympics light show.
Equipped with environmentally friendly LED lights, the fountains beneath Nelson's Column will provide a dazzling display for the Games.
The refurbishment of the Grade II-listed fountains is the latest stage in the transformation of the square. In addition, work on the three pumps which power the fountains will enable the plumes of water to cascade higher than has been seen for nearly 30 years.
On special occasions, the new pumps will allow the fountains to fire an 80-foot jet of water. But the most notable element of the refurbishment has been the installation of innovative green energy lighting, replacing the previous system, which was beyond repair.
The new system will also cut the carbon footprint of the fountain lighting by an estimated 90 per cent and save thousands on energy bills.
Reader views (17)
How tacky.
- Stephen, London, 31/05/2009 21:06
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LED - more proof that my memory is shot - I was convinced that in my youth it was LSD that provided technicolor lighting!
- Wills, Soton, 31/05/2009 17:45
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Great, so when I become homeless at least I'll have a reading light. However will it stay on all night? cause I always like to have the lights out by at least 1am. And if there's a socket anywhere Raj can bring his matching kettle.
- Angel, London lewisham, 31/05/2009 12:17
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Dhan Raj why not stick your head in it and get a closer view and do everyone a favour.
- Ge, Cornwall, 30/05/2009 21:09
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Ha ha ha Dhan Raj, your kettle comment made me smile!
- Anon, London, 29/05/2009 17:51
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My electric kettle does the same technicolour display. Its great tha we are cpoying the leadng lights of Paris an Berlin.
- Dhan Raj, basildon, 29/05/2009 16:50
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This is Fantastic, its about time our great city was lit up as it should be at night, more projects like this in the future please, And Eddie its people like Peter who appreciate this great city we live in, its people like you who hold it back.
- Adam, Soho London, 29/05/2009 16:47
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I put the contract together for this project 2 years ago when I was the Facilities Manager for Trafalgar Square. I was prevented from going forward during the election year and I am glad to see that Boris gave it the go-ahead. The system will pay for itself in 5 years and from then on it will save ten of thousands for the tax payer during its next 15 years of life.
- William, London, UK, 29/05/2009 15:26
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What a fantastic idea. Anyone who has seen the coloured fountains in Barceloa, programmed to rise and fall to music, will know what a brillianr spectacle this is. My favourite is the Freddie Mercury/Monserrat Caballe duet of 'Barcelona'. It brings out goose pimples. Second favourite is Celine Dionne singing the theme music from Titanic. Do we get to choose the musical programme? Perhaps the ES could start up a voting system for the peoples' favourites. Classics one night; opera another; big bands the next. But please, no pop it would spoil the whole effect. It has to be majestic music for impact.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 29/05/2009 14:53
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You're the bore Peter.If the London Olympics and a bit of light to impress the tourists gets you excited there's obviously not a lot going on in your little life.
- Eddie, London, 29/05/2009 13:51
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It is only for the Olympics, for heaven sake. They have to do something to put on a show
- Jenny, san francisco ca ( ex-londoner), 29/05/2009 13:46
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Brilliant (literally)!
We need a lot more of this kind of thing to brighten up our great city!
- Mandycake, Wimbledon, 29/05/2009 13:40
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I think it looks beautiful. Brightens up London on a dull day...
- Debbie Mullinger, Gravesend, 29/05/2009 13:39
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I think it's a good idea realy nice.
- Nin, London UK, 29/05/2009 11:07
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Wow you are boring, if people thought that about everything in London we probably wouldn't even have the olympics or any modern innovation within the city, what a silly remark
- Peter, Richmond, 29/05/2009 10:42
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I think its beautiful
- Jc, London, 29/05/2009 10:27
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'The new system will also cut the carbon footprint of the fountain lighting by an estimated 90 per cent and save thousands on energy bills.'
It would save us a lot more if they scrapped the idea!
- Steve, London, 29/05/2009 09:28
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