Events

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06 August 2025

UK - On 10 July, the industry came together at The Backup Fabulous Village Fete at Daytona Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey, to raise much-needed funds for supporting those working in the live events industry when they need it most.

This year's event, which welcomed over 350 event professionals from more than 40 different companies, raised just over £51,000 for Backup Tech, bringing the total raised for the charity over the years to nearly half a million pounds. The Backup Fabulous Village Fete, renamed this year in memory of Adam Taylor (AKA Adam Fabulous), an esteemed member of the events industry and well-renowned DJ who was a long-time supporter of the Backup Village Fete, continued the tradition of being ‘the industry's best day out’.

The event delivered an exhilarating mix of competition and celebration, headlined by the leg

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05 August 2025

Back Home - The world premiere of a musical about Anne Boleyn is being performed at her childhood home. Henry VIII's second wife, who was beheaded in 1536, grew up at Hever Castle in Kent. Anne Boleyn: The Musical is being staged at a specially constructed 1,800-seat outdoor auditorium on the lawn outside the castle until 30 August. A production spokesperson said: "The castle itself forms a key part of the set, heightening the sense of authenticity and theatrical grandeur.”

“The musical tells Anne's personal story, revealing how her ambitions and choices not only placed her at the heart of Tudor court life but ultimately helped alter the course of English history," the show's producers said. It covers her emotional farewell to her family at Hever, her experiences in the courts of Flanders and France and her return to England, where she catches t

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01 August 2025

UK - Keen-eyed readers will no doubt have noticed our special edition 40^th anniversary logo popping up here on LSi Online, and across our social media platforms in recent weeks. While the magazine’s official anniversary isn’t until November, we’re kicking off celebrations early as we prepare to honour the occasion this September at the PLASA Show (7-9 September, Olympia, London).

At the PLASA Show, we’ll be hosting the LSi Theatre, a dedicated seminar theatre. Here, show visitors can enjoy a carefully curated schedule of talks, panel discussions and ‘live’ editorial columns hosted by an array of LSi journalists, including Rob Halliday, Phil Ward, Louise Stickland, James Simpson, Sam Woodward, Roland Hemming, James Eade, Jerry Gilbert and more.

Topics will range from reflection on 40 years of both LSi, and the i

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01 August 2025

UK - The first wave of seminar sessions has been revealed for PLASA Show 2025, returning to Olympia London from 7-9 September.  

With sustainability, next-generation talent, industry heritage, and artificial intelligence at the heart of this year’s programme, the show sets the agenda for creative and technical evolution across the live entertainment industry.  

From high-profile panels and hands-on training to heritage showcases and career-building opportunities, the 2025 line-up promises an inclusive, educational and informative experience. Proudly sponsored by Vectorworks, entry to all sessions is available free-of-charge, making the programme accessible to all PLASA Show visitors. 

Making its debut in celebration of LSi’s 40th anniversary, the new LSi Theatre is set to bring to life many of the publication’s popular columns,

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30 July 2025

UK - The countdown is on for the 2025 PLASA Awards for Innovation, with the early bird submission deadline fast approaching. Industry innovators are encouraged to enter their groundbreaking products by Friday, 1 August, to benefit from a 20% discount on the entry fee.

In partnership with LSi, the PLASA Awards celebrate products that exemplify new thinking, enhance technical practice or safety, introduce novel materials or techniques, or offer new commercial advantages within the live entertainment technology sector.

An independent panel of industry experts will evaluate each entry, with up to eight awards available. One of these may be elevated to the prestigious Gold Award, recognising an outstanding new product. All nominated products will be prominently featured in the Innovation Gallery at the heart of the PLASA 

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29 July 2025

Austria - Amadeus Acoustics is inviting consultants, acousticians, system designers, and AV professionals to join them in Vienna this winter for a two-day seminar exploring the future of active acoustics and immersive audio.

Taking place on 1 and 2 December 2025, the seminar offers an opportunity to engage directly with the Amadeus team, experience its technologies in action, and connect with peers from across the industry. With live demonstrations, expert talks, hands-on workshops, and exclusive venue visits, the programme is designed to inspire, inform, and foster collaboration.

Day one will take place at Amadeus headquarters in Vienna, where the fundamentals and innovations shaping active acoustics and immersive sound will be explored. Demonstrations of Amadeus technologies in action will be paired with open discussions and Q&As.

In th

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25 July 2025

UK - One of PLASA Show’s most popular features, Classic Gear Live, returns in 2025 with a new location and an expanded collection of rare and iconic entertainment technology. 

Now situated on the Gallery level of Olympia, London, this unmissable feature brings together two distinct showcases: Classic Gear Live by Rob Halliday, focusing on lighting and projection history, and CH Vintage Audio by Chris Hewitt, presenting legendary rock and roll sound systems.

This year, Classic Gear Live moves upstairs to stands K82 and K109, offering a fresh perspective on the history of live production. With a newly created dark space, visitors can experience psychedelic and theatrical projections as they were originally intended - including Aldis and Optikinetics effects projectors, and Strand’s classic effects discs.

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25 July 2025

UK - Pharos Architectural Controls is returning to PLASA Show, presenting their latest developments and meeting customers on stand A58.

The Pharos team will be available to meet visitors and introduce a series of key updates to their lighting control product ranges, Pharos Expert and Pharos Designer.

The latest release of Expert now features Groups; a new way to organise fixtures within a space. Expert 2.0 now offers users the ability to control smaller groups within each space with run-time overrides from the Expert Touch mobile app or touchscreen wall stations.

Expert’s programming tools have also been enriched with the ability for users to include static scenes within timeline scenes. In response to customer requests, many dynamic scenes have had their properties extended. For example, a greater variety of speeds and longer loop times pr

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15 July 2025

Sponsorship - A ban on sponsors with links to fossil fuels could put "incredibly important organisations" in danger, the parliamentary under-secretary for energy has warned. During a government debate about a proposed tobacco-style ban on adverts and sponsors with links to fossil fuels, another minister claimed that environmental activists forcing corporate sponsors to withdraw their support from cultural events was "madness" in a landscape where funding is sparse.

Other MPs, however, demanded that the government show courage by banning the practice, with many labelling it an urgent issue of public health. The debate was brought to parliament by a petition that calls for a tobacco-style ban on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship, which has gained more than 110,000 signatures to date. Proposing it to the government, Liberal Democrat MP Roz Savage said tha

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14 July 2025

World - The latest issue of LSi is out now, and can be read online for free here.

‘90s music has seen a resurgence in popularity of late. Just look at the current Oasis reunion tour, and high-charting new albums by the likes of Pulp, Suede and more. Another ‘90s heavyweight enjoying the limelight once more is this month’s cover star, Robbie Williams. Currently on this road with the Britpop Tour, Robbie’s energetic, ambitious show features a giant, articulated rocket structure – and a complex lighting and sound set-up. Phil Ward catches up with the crew for his report.

Also inside, Ian Cullen gets the production scoop on The Great Gatsby, and we bring you a r

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08 July 2025

Forty Years On - Live Aid was a benefit concert held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia on 13 July 1985. Organised by Boomtown Rats frontman Bob Geldof and Ultravox vocalist Midge Ure, the event drew an estimated 1.5bn television viewers and raised millions for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Years of drought, civil war, and failed attempts at government control of the grain market in the early 1980s led to a catastrophic famine that threatened hundreds of thousands of lives in Ethiopia. After seeing a television news report on the subject in 1984, Geldof wrote the lyrics for Do They Know It’s Christmas? Ure crafted the melody of the song, and Geldof recruited some of the biggest names in the British new wave scene to contribute vocals.

The single, recorded in November 1984 and marketed under the name Ba

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07 July 2025

Germany - The long-established Prolight + Sound trade fair/convention in Frankfurt is entering 2026 with a refined concept. At the heart of this realignment is a streamlined three-day format and a sharpened focus on the European market.

Following a comprehensive survey of exhibitors, Prolight + Sound 2026 will take place from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 March. The streamlined duration was also endorsed by the show’s advisory board, which comprises industry experts and representatives of renowned companies and professional associations. As a key driving force, this body plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the event.

The goal of the new three-day format is to deliver “a more focused and high-quality trade fair experience for both exhibitors and visitors”. At the same time, the increased concentration on Europe a

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07 July 2025

China - Innovation, energy, and global ambition took centre stage as Absen’s Global DOOH & Sports Summer Event wrapped up in style at the company’s Dongjiang Intelligent Manufacturing Centre. Attended by industry leaders from around the world, the event delivered a showcase of next-gen digital-out-of-home (DOOH) display technology and intelligent sports venue solutions, all backed by a 10-year warranty.

At the heart of the event was the unveiling of Absen’s A25 Series, a low-carbon, energy-saving LED display system that captivated attendees with its remarkable performance. Consuming less than 1kWh per square metre daily, the A25 is set to deliver savings of up to $200,000 USD (approx.) in electricity costs over five years for a standard 300sq.m installation.

With its IP66 waterproof rating, all-aluminium build, and PWM driver chip, the A25

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02 July 2025

Germany - Adam Hall Group has announced the release of Defender Maintenance Spray, a specially developed maintenance spray for the professional care of cable protectors and other rubber components in the event, industrial and infrastructure sectors. The silicone spray protects against ageing, prevents material wear caused by environmental influences and facilitates maintenance.

The composition of the Maintenance Spray is tailored to typical stresses in the daily operation of cable protectors, such as moisture, UV radiation, dust and temperature changes. It is very simple to apply: spray on, leave to take effect for a short time, done. This way, the spray keeps the mechanics of the hinges and catches running smoothly and makes it much easier to open and close the lids.

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01 July 2025

UAE - Event crewing specialist Showforce has promoted several of its key team members in the Middle East as it looks to strengthen and expand its account management and operations departments.

Recognising and rewarding the contribution of long-standing team members Ann Dacumos, Ricky Holland, Diana Lucena, Haroon Nasir, Izceah Palmes and Amir Tufail, it puts the company in good stead as its business continues to grow throughout the GCC region.

Ann Dacumos steps up to head of account management – Middle East with direct reports Diana Lucena and Izceah Palmes both promoted to senior account handlers. Ann manages many of Showforce’s tier one clients on a day-to-day basis, including Coca Cola Arena, Dubai Opera, Creative Technology and PRG. In addition to maintaining strong client relationships, she works closely with the operations team to ensure th

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30 June 2025

UK - With less than a month to go, the Fete stalls, Manor House and karting teams are all sold out, and Backup Tech’s Fabulous Village Fete is shaping up to truly live up to its name.

The Parish Council judges (LSi’s Claire Beeson, Stewart Hume from TPi, Chris Barratt from AAA, ABTT’s Elysia Moore and PLASA’s Peter Heath) are sharpening their pencils and refining their taste buds to pick the Best Fete Stall, Best Dressed Fete’r, Best Fete Stall Game, the Cake Off and Veg Off, plus winners will be declared for the Catching Flies (fly fishing) and Pheasant Shooting competitions.

There’s also the chance to enter the DJ Off, which is being held in memory of DJ Adam Fabulous and will be judged by DJ Asad, who will also be taking to the decks to entertain Fete-goers throughout the afternoon. Taking us into the early evening will be Fab Cab’s

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26 June 2025

UK - The ABTT Theatre Show 2025 attracted increased visitor numbers, record-breaking engagement and international draw.

There were over 3,200 people on the show floor this year, making the ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace busier than ever. With a 15.6% increase in unique attendees, a 16% increase in revisits on Day 2, this year’s event confirmed its growing importance as a central hub for live performance professionals.

The show welcomed over 200 global brands, featured a vigorous seminar programme, and hosted hands-on workshops led by renowned industry figures – all aimed at advancing careers, showcasing innovation and facilitating powerful new connections. 

ABTT CEO Liz Sillett commented: “My first ABTT Theatre Show as CEO was a whirlwind of excitement and brilliance. The buzz was incredible, coming from such a talented and insp

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24 June 2025

UK - Broadwick Group has announced a partnership with East London venue Troxy. This new chapter will see Broadwick and its group of companies come together to build on Troxy’s existing legacy, while shaping its future.

Troxy is renowned for hosting a wide spectrum of events. Music will remain at the heart of the building, and this partnership will establish a broader and more ambitious programming and commercial vision. The venue will expand its offering across brand activations, cultural showcases, film and TV production, corporate events, and creative hires.

Troxy will continue to operate as an independent brand, with its core identity, team and legacy preserved, backed by Broadwick’s deep experience in operating venues including the likes of Magazine London, Printworks and Landing 42. The group will invest in Troxy’s future while retainin

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24 June 2025

Rocky Horror - A book compiling interviews with original cast members of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and rare behind-the-scenes photographs is to be published this September. The show’s writer, Richard O’Brien, has provided the foreword for the literary homage to the cult classic musical, which this year celebrates half a century since the well-known film was first released. Rare images snapped behind the scenes of the six-week filming process by the late photographer Mick Rock form the bulk of the book, which also includes interviews with original cast members and quotes from fans including musicians Courtney Love and Peaches.

Announcing the book, publisher Coronet said: “The late great Mick Rock has gifted us all with the most joyful visual celebration of Richard O’Brien’s glorious creation. 50 years on, the musical continues to occupy

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18 June 2025

UK - Polar recently returned to the Old Savoy Theatre in Northampton to stage Polar Expo, a day-long event where integrators, AV consultants, rental companies and sound engineers were able to see, hear, and explore the full Polar catalogue.

Previous Polar demo days, focused on specific brands, had proved to be a popular draw for a wide range of technology professionals, prompting the company to expand the formula to stage its largest such event to date. According to sales manager Andy Plunkett, who coordinated the event, the Savoy Theatre takeover was another valuable exercise in giving visitors a close-up, hands-on experience of the Polar portfolio:

“We showcased the entire portfolio across morning and afternoon sessions in the Theatre and adjoining Dore Suite. There’s just no substitute for hearing our high-performance loudspeaker ranges in a r

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17 June 2025

UK - The PLASA Awards for Innovation are back for 2025, and entries are officially open.  

Celebrating the most forward-thinking technology across lighting, audio, AV, staging, rigging and beyond, the awards recognise products that bring something genuinely new to the table, whether it’s a technical step forward, a sustainability breakthrough, or a clever commercial edge. 

Run in partnership with LSi, the awards are independently judged by a panel of experts who know what real innovation looks like. All shortlisted ent

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16 June 2025

UK - On 4 June, the Association of British Theatre Technicians hosted its Annual Awards after a busy first day of the ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace, London. This event is a cornerstone of the ABTT, dedicated to honouring outstanding contributions to the theatre and live events sector and recognises the achievements of those who are shaping the future of the industry.

Ted Moore, director at sponsors TAIT, said of the Awards: “TAIT is really proud to be here once again to sponsor the ABTT Awards, which I truly believe are the best award presentations anywhere in our industry. We wish all the nominees good luck and give congratulations to whoever the winners may be.”

The five Product Awards recognise the achievements of products which are substantially new to the market during the last 12 months and are available now for purchase, immediate

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12 June 2025

UK - Production Futures has announced that it will bring the curtain down on 2025 with its largest On Tour show to date. The event will take place at Production Park, Wakefield on Thursday 27 November and will promote employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training, and networking, as well as presenting paid work opportunities to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry.

Manufacturers, supply and production companies, venues and distributors will have representatives present at the event to provide advice, information and insights, and discuss specific job and training opportunities. As well as manufacturers and suppliers, Production Futures also works closely with a range of organisations, initiatives, education partners and associations, connecting employment and training opportunities to a diverse pool of tal

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12 June 2025

UK - The ABTT Theatre Show came alive at Alexandra Palace in London with the annual ABTT Awards hosted by the Association of British Theatre Technicians. This event showcases the contributions people in the industry have been making to theatre and live events.

Ted Moore, director at sponsor TAIT said of the Awards: “TAIT are really proud to be here once again to sponsor the ABTT Awards, which I truly believe are the best award presentations anywhere in our industry. We wish all the nominees good luck and give congratulations to whoever the winners may be.”

The highly sought after People Awards included the ABTT Technician of the Year, the ABTT Award for Emerging Excellence and the ABTT Cmyru Nick Bache Technician of the Year Award which all recognise the achievements of individuals both starting out and well-established in their backstage careers