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CRYSTAL creates water effects for Parc Astérix’s first nighttime spectacular


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RYSTAL has partnered with Parc Astérix to deliver the water effects for Astérix et la Potion d’Étoiles, the French theme park’s


first-ever nighttime spectacular. d’Étoiles, the French theme park’s first-ever


nighttime spectacular. Staged on the park’s central lake, the production


uses water as a key storytelling element, featuring more than 50 water effects, jets reaching heights of up to 20 metres and a giant water screen. The show also combines sound, lighting, lasers, drones and fireworks to create a 10-minute finale to the guest experience. CRYSTAL was responsible for designing, installing


and programming all of the show’s aquatic effects, creating visual sequences intended to support the storyline developed by the Parc Astérix creative team. The latest project builds on a long-standing


relationship between the two organisations, which has previously included work on the aquatic features at Oziris, the water splash effects for Discobelix and the fountains surrounding the Flying Chairs attraction. Michel Amann, CEO and creative director at


CRYSTAL, says: "Parc Astérix is a partner we know well, having worked together on various projects for more than two decades. "Contributing to the creation of the park’s very


first nighttime spectacular therefore held special significance for our teams. "Our mission was to use water as a true


storytelling medium, creating emotional and dynamic visual sequences that would support and enhance the artistic vision developed by the park."


The new production is designed to encourage


visitors to remain in the park after dark, offering a different atmosphere to the daytime experience. Its narrative was created by Parc Astérix’s Kevin Blandina and Florian Gady, with CRYSTAL’s programming team developing a range of water animations to accompany key scenes. Among the bespoke effects is a 'champagne'


sequence created using 30 straight jets, alongside water and lighting effects inspired by forest settings and navigation scenes. The aim was to ensure the water features played an active role in the show’s narrative as well as its visual impact. The installation is supported by three custom-


built floating platforms, each measuring 15 metres long and 1.1 metres wide, manufactured


by CRYSTAL in France. The platforms provide the flexibility required for the different scenes while allowing the equipment to integrate into the park’s historic lake. The system includes 30 straight jets, five high-


reaching jets capable of reaching 20 metres, two fan effects with nine jets each, eight motorised 2D jets, a 30m by 12m water screen, integrated LED lighting and 52 pumps powering 46 water effects. Together, they create a variety of visual sequences synchronised with the soundtrack and story. Although CRYSTAL’s role focused on the water


effects, the system was designed to work seamlessly alongside the production’s drones, lasers, fireworks and audio to deliver a fully integrated performance. The company also used a complete 3D model


of the show environment to programme much of the installation before arriving on site, helping to streamline commissioning while maintaining the original creative vision. More than 100 hours were dedicated to


programming, testing and rehearsals, with over 10 specialists contributing expertise across project management, fountain programming, electrical engineering, hydraulic systems and technical operations. Florian Gady, show production and project


manager at Parc Astérix, says: "CRYSTAL's 30 years of expertise in theme parks and permanent water shows proved to be a real asset for Parc Astérix. "Their professional and responsive team worked


closely with us throughout the project, making a significant contribution to the creation of our nighttime spectacular."


12 SUMMER PART TWO 2026


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