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30 April 2025

UK - Indie rockers The Wombats are currently touring the UK and Europe with a bold new visual identity, powered by the first touring deployment of the VLHive 151 Digital FX lighting fixture from Vari-Lite.

The show has been designed by lighting designer Rosie Haigh, who is also Vari-Lite business development manager at Signify. Haigh’s design embraces a dynamic, textural approach that brings the band’s latest album, Oh! The Ocean, vividly to life on stage, without a single LED screen in sight.

As part of the creative brief, The Wombats asked Haigh – who has worked with the band for over two years – to move away from video walls, while still delivering rich depth and high-impact visuals upstage. In response Haigh harnessed the creative power of the VLHive 151 – a fully digital lighting fixture that merges high-output light, advanced

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30 April 2025

Switzerland - Basel-based lighting and scenic designer Lukas Marian chose Claypaky Tambora Batten Squares and Sinfonya Profile 600 fixtures for the world premiere of Oresteia. The dance production by choreographers Frank Fannar Pedersen and Javier Rodriguez Cobos debuted with the St. Gallen Dance Company at the Konzert & Theater St. Gallen.

Based on Greek mythology, Oresteia features an immersive scenography and lighting design by Marian with embedded Claypaky fixtures that achieve a special aesthetic. The original Oresteia is a trilogy of fifth-century BCE Greek tragedies by Aeschylus concerning the murder of Agamemnon by Clytemnestra, the murder of Clytemnestra by Orestes, the trial of Orestes, the end of the curse on the House of Atreus, and the pacification of the Furies.

“I had complete freedom in planning the de

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30 April 2025

UK - Eikon Group specialises in mastering, localising, and distributing digital entertainment content. With offices in London, Los Angeles, and Sydney, it operates 24/7. Given the vast amounts of digital video content coming in and out and being archived, there's a massive amount of traffic across their network.

Eikon’s London office has three theatres, six media suites, and two theatrical media suites, all of which are in constant use. The 37 Dante-enabled devices in the office were originally on a single VLAN, but as the business evolved, subscription management became problematic. Patrick Roche, senior media systems engineer, was brought on board to streamline their processes. The studio used a Q-SYS Core 500i just for cinema routing in the main theatre, and Roche realised it was massively underutilised.

“The driving force for implementing Dan

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30 April 2025

USA - Stray Production Services, a full-service event production company based in Lititz, Pennsylvania has announced an investment in Elation’s Paragon LED profile moving head. The move strengthens the company's already robust inventory of Elation gear and sets the stage for Paragon to become a workhorse fixture across various indoor and outdoor productions.

Stray is located on the Rock Lititz Campus, a production campus and home to dozens of leading production vendors in the live events industry. Only a short drive from New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, Stray specialises in events of all types, including large-scale installations. Its extensive Elation inventory is a key part of its production capabilities but as its outdoor event roster continues to grow, so does the need for powerful, IP-rated fixtures.

“We wanted quality

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30 April 2025

Hungary - Lightware continues to strengthen its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives by fostering diversity, inclusion, and community engagement within the technology sector.

Guided by a commitment to building a sustainable and equitable future, Lightware’s ESG strategy focuses on advancing high-quality development and manufacturing, fostering innovation, promoting gender equality, reducing environmental impact, and maintaining the highest standards of ethical governance.

As part of its ESG efforts, Lightware participated in Girls in STEM Day on 10 April, a nationwide initiative in Hungary designed to encourage young girls to explore careers in engineering, science, and technology. Recognising the ongoing underrepresentation of women in technical fields, Lightware is committed to inspiring future generations to pursue ST

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30 April 2025

Austria - The five-star hotel Das Central in Sölden, Tyrol combines mountain panoramas, modern luxury and high standards of wellness. The Summit Spa with its all-round glazed infinity pool has also recently been added to the list of facilities. The two-storey spa area was built in 2023 as part of an extensive renovation, which also included a new audio system.

For the multi-zone sound system in the various indoor and outdoor areas, the integrator responsible – Wilderness Studios – opted for a lean LD Systems setup based on the Questra design and management platform.

Excellent sound, high-quality design and ease of use − these were the three main requirements the hotel management had when they approached Wilderness Studios. “The Central is a luxury hotel. As such, it was important to offer high-quality systems that not only sound classy, but

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30 April 2025

India - Canadian manufacturer of professional audio solutions, Adamson, will be represented by local distributor StageMix at this year’s Palm Expo in Mumbai. Taking place between 29 and 31 May, Palm Expo is the leading professional audiovisual exhibition in India. StageMix will be responsible for the debut of Adamson’s new VGt series of large-format line array loudspeakers, the first member of the brand’s Vergence Group.

“India represents an exciting and fast-growing market for Adamson, and we are thrilled to introduce our VGt loudspeakers at Palm Expo,” confirms Pieter van Hoogdalem, business development strategist at Adamson. “StageMix will present a range of Adamson solutions, but the spotlight will be firmly on the VGt and its potential for large-scale live events and venues.”

VGt is a peak-performance large-format line array loudsp

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29 April 2025

UK - For the first time, PLASA Focus Leeds has launched an official mobile app, now available to download on both Apple and Android devices. Introduced following the success of the PLASA Show London app in 2024, which saw strong uptake among visitors, the new app is designed to maximise engagement and efficiency at the 2025 show.

Taking place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds on 13–14 May 2025, the event will once again welcome thousands of professionals working across live events, AV, lighting, audio, rigging, staging and more. The PLASA Focus Leeds app serves as a comprehensive, digital companion for navigating the show, enabling you to:

 - Access and print visitor badges directly from the app

 - Browse a full exhibitor and product list in advance

 - View the detailed seminar and workshop schedule

 - Use the inter

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29 April 2025

UK - Unusual Rigging is undertaking a pioneering sustainability initiative that aims to embed environmental and social sustainability across its operations and supply chain. With ambitions that extend beyond internal improvements, the project is designed to identify key areas for action aligned with recognised industry frameworks.

To deliver this work, Unusual is working with Hope Solutions, a leading sustainability consultancy operating at the intersection of climate science and live events. Known for their work with clients including Coldplay, Netflix and Live Nation, Hope Solutions brings deep expertise in carbon measurement, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability planning.

The project is being led internally by managing director Tom Harper - who holds a Masters in the Circular Economy MBA - and supported by facilities and resource m

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29 April 2025

Japan - Ampetronic, designer and manufacturer of assistive listening solutions is sponsoring the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Ampetronic is ensuring clear audio is accessible to all UK Pavilion visitors so they can fully engage in this entertaining experience that demonstrates the best of British creativity and innovation.

Expo 2025 opened on 13 April and will run through 13 October. More than 28m visitors from Japan and internationally are expected to attend the Expo, themed Designing Future Society for Our Lives.

Visitors to the UK Pavilion will meet the UK’s Expo 2025 mascot, PIX, and be invited to participate in an immersive and interactive exhibit. The exhibit is an animated 20-minute journey that features a heartfelt story of a Japanese father and daughter and their experiences working in, living in, and visitin

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29 April 2025

Mexico - Based in the thriving commercial and industrial centre of Monterrey, the capital of the state of Nuevo Leon in northeastern Mexico, and occupying 7,000 sq.m of warehouse space, technical production company Serpro Producciones offers lighting, audio, rigging, stage, and backline rentals.

Led by Emmanuel Gonzalez and supported by an enthusiastic team, Serpro has built a reputation for service quality and is active in all sectors of entertainment, with a particular focus on the music industry. The company supplies numerous festivals, including the renowned Pa'l Norte Festival in Monterrey, as well as concerts and touring shows of all types and sizes.

A regular Robe investor since 2016, over the last two years the moving light inventory has jumped substantially to now include 120 x Robe Fortes, 13 x iFortes, 24 x iForte LTXs and a 12-wa

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29 April 2025

Netherlands - Following a devastating fire in 2022, the NBC Congrescentrum in Nieuwegein has emerged from its ashes not just rebuilt, but technologically transformed. This premier Dutch event venue, which evolved from a modest meeting space in 1992 to hosting up to 4,000 guests today, now features a sophisticated L-Acoustics K Series sound system with a design innovation: when two large halls combine into one space, four precisely positioned line arrays seamlessly integrate to deliver consistent audio coverage throughout.

L-Acoustics Certified Partner AudioBizz collaborated with René Doeser, project leader for the NBC, from Dutch system integrator AVEX to overcome NBC's primary challenge: creating a versatile system that not only satisfies demanding production riders but also integrates seamlessly with the venue's architectural aesthetics.

"We creat

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29 April 2025

USA - Situated in Fredericksburg, VA, the 1,200-seat multipurpose Dodd Auditorium, at the University of Mary Washington (UMW), has been treated to a new, fully DSP-optimised Wavefront Precision line array from Martin Audio.

The installation, which comprises hangs of seven elements per side, was undertaken by Martin Audio partner, Soundworks of Virginia.

Soundworks had worked at the venue many times over the years as a rental provider, notably at commencement ceremonies. Their CEO Steve Payne observed, “At these events all parents really care about is hearing their kid’s name read out clearly. But this was always a challenge over a 250ft throw distance.” But this is just one of a variety of events hosted at the venue, including all types of performance arts, lectures and movies.

Soundworks had traditionally front-lined another PA system,

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29 April 2025

UK - Media City’s new Content Studio and co-working space at White Tower in Salford offers a blank canvas for influencers, photographers, producers, film makers, and other creatives, where they can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and make connections.

An important feature of the new Studio is its audio system, which was delivered by experienced Salford-based specialists Hollowsphere AV, who recommended and installed a Pioneer Pro Audio system from the company’s CM-Series of commercial audio products. With a brief to provide a system for background music and performance, the system needed to provide warm, clear sound, whilst also having the aesthetic qualities to discreetly complement the Content Studio interior.

Adrian Ball of Hollowsphere comments: “We were recommended for this project having completed a previous job at Media City’s Ho

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29 April 2025

UK - After receiving a generous grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, part of the Creative Research Capabilities Project, Professor Andrew Knight-Hill (Professor of Music and Sound Arts) and Dr Dave Hockham (Associate Head of School Student Success) commissioned the Stage Electrics team for two new installations.

This government investment into creative research practices recognises the significant contribution of the creative industries to the UK economy and has sparked innovation in the University of Greenwich’s creative research community.

Speaking about the Bathway Theatre, Professor Knight-Hill stated: “The vision for this space was to create a flexible environment that fosters possibility - allowing people to realise whatever they can dream, breaking the concept of a traditional stage, and dissolving the boundary between stag

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29 April 2025

Poland - Fryderyki 2025 is Poland’s leading music awards ceremony. The gala performance, held in April 2025, was the culmination of a celebration that spanned Poland.

Held in the Tauron Arena in Kraków, the show was built around the power of DiGiCo Quantum consoles, with four Quantum 338s for front of house and monitor mixing, plus an additional Quantum 225 dedicated to public speaking and host mixes. The entire system was supplied by Brawlers, the audio production company owned by Remigiusz Kasztelnik, who was also on site to produce the audio for the event.

Organised by the Association of Audio-Video Producers and the Phonographic Academy, this celebration of Polish music took place in three different cities. On 23 March, nominees in the jazz categories gathered in the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. A week later, on 30 Mar

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29 April 2025

UK - Bespoke wedding and events venue, Blackbrook Barns in Sussex found its match in the Optimal Audio ecosystem which married its need for a simple-to-use system with the delivery of a diverse range of audio styles – from the soft melodies of a ceremony to lively evening celebrations – across the multi-zoned venue.

The venue team needed an audio system that would keep pace with the ebb and flow of a meticulously planned wedding day and a key challenge was the creation of an experience that covered a range of uses, including background music, speeches, live performances, and live DJs, without complicating operation to ensure that staff could focus on delivering a flawless event rather than managing a complex sound system.

Local installer Richer Sounds, with the support of Logan Helps from Audio-Technica, designed and installed an ecosystem that w

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29 April 2025

UK - The ISCVE has announced the appointment of Jim Smith as its new president, officially introduced at this year’s ISCVEx event.

Smith brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the audio, communications and AV industries and at ISCVEx, he shared his gratitude and optimism for the future of the Institute.

“I’m deeply honoured and excited to take on the role of president of the ISCVE. I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and supporting the delivery of key initiatives, such as the Good Sound Charter and Training for Microphone Users. I’m especially keen on supporting the development of new and yet to be conceived initiatives with a particular focus on AV and ESG (Environment, Social and Governance).

“In the last couple of years, the Institute has forged valuable partnershi

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29 April 2025

Hall of Fame - Rap group Outkast, pop star Cyndi Lauper and 1960s pioneer Chubby Checker have all won places in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This year's inductees were revealed live on American Idol, with the UK represented by hard rock band Bad Company and Joe Cocker, 11 years after his death from lung cancer. Performers become eligible for inclusion 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. The nominations are voted on by more than 1,200 music historians, industry professionals and previously inducted artists.

The full list of performers to be inducted this year is: Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa, the first commercially successful female rap group, will also receive the musical influence award, alongside Warren Zevon. There are also musical e

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28 April 2025

France - The Showlight quadrennial is a rare event that you do not want to miss. Three days of lighting professionals networking and exchanging ideas, listening to speakers at the top of their profession, all in the beautiful setting of Dijon, France. This gathering only happens once every four years – and it’s for everyone.

Historically, Showlight is conducted solely in English but this year is different. Located in France and supported by French lighting manufacturer and headline sponsor, Robert Juliat, we look forward to welcoming many French-speaking delegates as well as international attendees.

To make sure nobody misses a word, for the first time Showlight is offering simultaneous translation of the Papers and Q&A sessions across four languages. Delegates can choose to listen – and ask questions – in English, French, Italian and Spa