Hi Nick.
I have been down this road a few times. Recently as well.
Did you do the other (pre-requisite) part:
Pre-requisites
The Neopixel python driver need to be pre-installed... The easiest way to get the driver installed is to use the Unicorn HAT drivers install script... see the Pimoroni Getting Started with Unicorn HAT page.
curl -sS get.pimoroni.com/unicornhat | bash
The other thing that can cause you grief if the /boot/config.txt file.
There are things in there what MUST be set.
My journey into th NeoPixel world.
You need these 4 lines to be as shown:
hdmi_force_hotplug=1
hdmi_force_edid_audio = 1
hdmi_group=2
hdmi_mode=39
Though people will argue it is only the first two, I have recently found that the last two are also needed.
