Why Was Fulham In the Pink Over Christmas?
Local residents baffled by strange light in the sky
Pink sky over Fulham during Christmas
January 6, 2025
Residents living on the east side of Fulham were startled to see the sky north of Fulham Road turn deep pink for several nights over the festive season.
Some people thought the strange light was an extreme outdoor Christmas decoration, while others were sure it was the Aurora Borealis.
The answer however was much closer to home. Chelsea Football Club has installed state of the art LED grow lighting at Stamford Bridge, and when there is fog or low cloud, the glow from the lights is reflected across the atmosphere.
The LED lighting system on the pitch at Stamford Brook
LED grow lighting is being used in stadiums all over the world to maintain and improve the quality of the pitch. Or as supplier SGL System explains: “ The state-of-the-art energy efficient LED grow lighting units allow the grounds staff to adjust light and heat radiation according to the grass’s needs.
“The data-driven and sensor-based control of the unit enables the grounds person to create the perfect conditions for high-quality grass growth, in the most sustainable manner, and ensures a safe and consistent playing surface all throughout the year.”
At Stamford Bridge, the man responsible for the lighting is Paul Burgess, the club’s Director of Global Playing Surfaces and Landscaping at Chelsea F.C.
Paul and his team of 46 people look after all the club’s grass, including Kingsmeadow Stadium in Kingston and the Cobham Training Centre, which has 38 pitches, using UVC radiation to prevent disease instead of chemicals as well as the grow lights.
He says, “We’re the first club in the UK to treat the entire pitch with LED grow lighting technology. I always try to be a bit of a pioneer."
The technology in action on Chelsea FC's pitch
He also foresees the stadium becoming busier, hosting more events including the increasingly popular women’s matches, putting more pressure on the pitch. So the grow lights - and Fulham's pink sky - are here to stay.
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