Santa’s Grotto goes high-tech in Selfridges

Wellpleased Events has created Selfridges Christmas Grotto, using a range of LED lighting, LED tape and lasers to create colours reminiscent of the Northern Lights. The grotto, situated in the department store’s Ultralounge, is the result of the collaborative efforts of Wellpleased and Melbry Events, which have created a series of ice caves and tunnels complete with interactive plasma plates and bubble icicles.

An augmented reality wish fairy has been created using video cameras and plasma screens, which creates the impression that fairies are landing on the children visiting the event. An interactive floor takes advantage of a live image video and projector system to create an ice lake where guests can kick snowballs, splat Christmas puddings, smash Christmas baubles and unwrap presents to reveal gifts.

The technology has been blended with real people in the form of elves, snowmen, Jack Frost and Santa, who sits in his “bling” igloo.