36 Meter Inflatable Serpent as a parade float at the Perth Agriculture Festival

Background

36 Metre Inflatable Serpent as a parade float at the Perth Agriculture Festival is a product of the creativity and teamwork of Giant Inflatables and Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia (RASWA). Over the years, it has evolved into an eight-day festival celebrating the city’s cultural heritage and agriculture. Established in 1834, began as a cattle and agriculture trade show.

The RASWA entrusted the creative team at Giant Inflatables with a unique task: designing a 36-metre-long inflatable serpent for a parade float. The challenge was to create a visually striking and engaging serpent that respected cultural boundaries and authentically embodied the Rainbow Serpent’s Dreamtime origins.

The Design and Fabrication

Designing and producing a 36-metre-long inflatable serpent required a holistic and innovative approach. Consideration for the safety of the operators, volunteers, and patrons was a priority.

As the inflatable was a mobile parade float to be carried by people, technology such as power for inflation, lighting, and handling required extra engineering attention. Every aspect of the parade float had to comply with Australian Safety Standards to ensure a safe operation throughout the eight-day parade.

Safety was paramount, with careful consideration given to the welfare of staff, volunteers and spectators. With the inflatable in the parade, the team had to integrate things like inflation power, lighting and control systems. Each item met stringent Australian safety standards to ensure a smooth and safe experience throughout the week-long festival. The successful execution of this large-scale innovative project was a testament to the seamless collaboration between our design and engineering teams and the indigenous community leaders.

The Results

The addition of internal LED lighting made the serpent come to life, breathing vibrant colours as the operators paraded it during the festival. The final product was a spectacular surprise. The internal LED lighting illuminated the serpent, bringing a dazzling array of colours to life as it serpent its way through the festive revelry. This massive inflatable system certainly got the crowd going, enduring perspective, and solidified Raswa’s reputation for innovation and cultural respectability.