UK - Litestructures supplied a key feature for the latest European tour of the American boy Band New Kids On The Block (NKOTB).

This was the first time Litestructures worked with the band. Production manager Bobby Schneider contacted Litestructures to supply a circular lift which would be located in the middle of the crowd, and would be able to hold the band and rise to up to 6' high.

Litestructures came up with a concept of adapting one of their standard Scissor lifts with a circular 12' diameter LiteDeck staging system - all used from the company's hire department.

The end result was a success and the lift acted as the centre piece of the show and toured with the band for three weeks. In smaller venues, the lift was replaced with a static 12' diameter circular LiteDeck.

Ben Brooks, hire manager at Litestructures comments: "It was a fantastic opportunity for Litestru

UK - In December 2009 Richard Box and Mick Birchall will attempt to row 2900 miles across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the 'Atlantic Rowing Race 2009'

Le Mark Group's Kraken Tape will form an important part of their emergency tool kit. Richard & Mick will crucially rely on a water maker powered by solar panels. Should this fail, the two rowers will rely on their own ability to fix and repair their equipment in extreme conditions, as best they can.

Kraken Tape will be on board ready to repair pipes, ropes and electrical connections. It can even be applied wet as it will still self fuse to give a "flexible seal that is 100% waterproof".

Kraken Tape has been tested to meet the stringent standards of WRAS, is completely safe to use and will not contaminate their precious drinking water, says the company.

Kraken Tape and the Le Mark Team are extremely proud to be abl

UK - In March 2006, the Leicester Theatre Trust, part of Leicester City Council, ordered an integral automation system as part of the building of Curve - a venue that was boldly commissioned to make the world of theatre visible from the outside in. This imaginative and unusual brief required the innovative thinking of automation pioneers and Stage Technologies was chosen to meet the challenge.

In July 2008, champagne corks popped as the venue was handed over, fully kitted out with a remarkable automation and flying system that incorporates 76 winches and 12 portable point hoists, a grid that encompasses the entire performance area and a control system comprising two mobile Nomad desks and two handheld Solo consoles.

Visibility was a key element of the brief, with the project directors wanting to be able to exhibit the performance area to a wider audience at the press of a butt

Australia - Rigging specialists Pollard Productions, based in Sydney, Australia has invested in a Kinesys automation system. Kinesys is a European market leader for flexible, user-friendly, precision automation solutions.

"We'd been following the development of the system for some time," explains James Ring, managing director of Pollard Productions, who reveals that they were eagerly awaiting the release of the latest K2 3D programming and visualizing platform, and had also seen Kinesys in action on several concert tours throughout Australia. "Kinesys came highly recommended by many of the touring riggers we know".

Pollards' system consists of eight 1 tonne Liftket and twelve 0.5 tonne Liftket double brake chain hoists with 20m of travel, 20 Kinesys Elevation 1+ variable speed hoist controllers, a 24 channel Kinesys Array PD-ES and two 6 channel Mini Array

UK - Litestructures proudly introduced its new line of creative aluminium solutions - LiteConsole - at the recent TPi Awards ceremony in London. Presenter Phill Jupitus described the console as looking like "...something from the Starship Enterprise!"

The original inspiration for LiteConsole came from Paul Oakenfold who required a modular performance console to reinforce his stage presence on his recent global stadium tour with Madonna, and Litestructures totally responded to Paul's requirement.

"LiteConsole represents an innovative, portable and high visual impact solution for corporate presentations and live performances," says the company. The line can be used as musician/DJ/production work surfaces; as eye-catching information booths at trade shows and exhibitions; for TV/video recording projects; and as temporary retail outlets/sales promotion counters

USA - PowerLift, J. R. Clancy's popular automated theatre hoist, has been listed as meeting the rigorous UL 1340 Hoist standard for safety by ETL. A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), ETL was originally founded by Thomas Edison in 1896. PowerLifts will now carry the ETL Listing Mark.

This listing signifies that PowerLift meets the safety requirements of the world's most trusted source for product compliance, illustrating Clancy's ongoing commitment to backstage safety.

"This is an important step forward, as most of the theatrical hoists installed in the U.S. are not listed by any agency," said Tom Young, Clancy vice-president of marketing. "By complying with the most rigorous standards in the industry, we're helping to reduce the risks backstage. Now it's clear that PowerLifts can help the show go on - safely."

To be listed, the product must

UK - The specialist procurement and installation skills of Lighting Technology Projects (LTP) were utilised to specify, prepare and rig 48 custom designed and manufactured trusses that facilitate the 'house' lighting in The Atrium at Westfield London, the UK's new £1.7 billion shopping destination in W12.

Westfield London, currently the largest urban shopping destination in Europe, features a spectacular central Atrium space the size of a football pitch. Designed by Westfield's in-house architects, its undulating glass roof comprises thousands of glass panels, suspended by tree-like support structures.

LTP was referred by architectural/entertainment lighting specialists Architainment to T Clarke, electrical contractors to Westfield. They needed LTP's experience of integrating theatrical and architectural lighting methodology to provide design support for the trusses incl

Switzerland - Europe's tallest wine tower, standing at a staggering 15 metres, has been unveiled as the centre piece of the new Radisson Blu Hotel at Zurich Airport. The innovative installation was the focal point of the recent grand opening ceremony.

ES Projects, a trading division of ES Group Ltd, designed, built and commissioned the structure with the support of specialist sub-contractor Stage One who installed and commissioned key features such as the LED lighting and Angel flying winches. ES Projects called on its experience in the events industry to provide training and choreography for the Wine Angels.

The wine tower is a steel framed, glass clad structure designed to act as a vertical four sided temperature controlled wine cellar, operated in full view of the hotel guests and bar customers. The total capacity of the tower is 3,840 bottles. Wine bottles are store

UK - Wisbech-based flightcase manufacturer 5 Star has again provided a case solution for UK DJ equipment specialist, Pioneer.

Following the success of the Pro-420FLT and Pro-440FLT mini consoles, Pioneer required a custom designed case to house its latest professional DJ system, the MEP-7000 multi entertainment player and controller, which also includes a 19" mixer such as the DJM-3000. The DJM-700 mixer can also be housed via the 19" rack conversion.

Pioneer and 5 Star worked closely from the outset of the project to achieve a value added' product with numerous eatures and Pioneer branding.

"Pioneer has a great relationship with 5 Star", says Pioneer's Paul Beardsall. "We simply supply a brief for a new project and they have a remarkable ability to produce and deliver the goods. Design flare, an eye for detail and a superb production turnaround real

UK - Showsec secured the Brit Awards 2009 with at Earls Court and simultaneously, they played an instrumental part in the War Child Benefit gig at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, with some artists appearing at both venues.

Showsec's Operations Director Simon Battersby managed the Brits project, liaising with organisers from the BPI and production management M.J.K. and Earls Court. He said, "This is the second year that we have worked at the BRITs and the smooth, assured manner in which we undertook such a complex operation underlines the professionalism and capabilities that are present at all levels within our team."

Maggie Crow, event director for The BRIT Awards 2009 noted: "Showsec provided the most exemplary security at this years' BRITs. My feedback has been every guest - and there are over 12,000 of them who are all treated as VIPs - were welcomed and dire

UK - A 15-way Kinesys automation system was in action recently on the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK arena tour. This was specified by the tour's production director Andy Gibbs of producer Phil McIntyre Productions and follows on from the success of a six-way system that they hired for last year's tour.

The system consisted of 15 half tonne Liftket motors and Kinesys Elevation 1+ controllers, plus a Vector control system operated by Barry Branford.

Six bespoke scenic chandeliers, suspended from a box truss in the centre of the dancefloor move individually. Eight small mirror balls on single points around the outside of the dancefloor and a large 2.5m mirror ball right in the centre of the dancefloor were also automated.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Branding specialist Sunbaba opens the doors of its new London studio this week. The studio will be managed by account director Jonathan Booth.

The addition comes as Sunbaba's work with London-based agencies and for events in the capital increased in the last 12 months, prompting the need for a London office for clients to discuss complicated branding projects and see Sunbaba in action, says the company.

Sunbaba launched a range of new products in 2008 for both indoor and outdoor events, expanding the range from air permeable fabrics for outdoor branding to include correx board, voiles and soft fabrics and a range of eco-friendly products.

Jonathan Booth said: "Having a base in London makes us more accessible to our clients in the capital. Customers are welcome to drop into the studio at any time to see fabric samples, review artworks or simply to have a coffee and

UK - MTFX was at the Brit awards at Earls Court providing confetti 'butterfly effects' for Chris Martin from Coldplay.

This consisted of three cues, one on each of the chorus of Viva la Vida. To produce the effect the producers hired 12 of MTFXs Confetti storms, four extra large venturi blowers, three extra large spinners and 250kgs of red, white and blue Butterfly confetti.

(Jim Evans)

UK - The achievements of Arena Seating were recognised at the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA)'s Annual Tributes this year, when the company was awarded the trophy for best supplier.

The award, sponsored by Access All Areas, was presented to Arena Seating's sales director Dave Withey by promoter Harvey Goldsmith and TV's Ed Stewart. It recognised Arena Seating's track record of service and innovation at events like Wimbledon, Red Bull Air Races, X Factor, the Hyde Park festivals and many other events.

"We're delighted to receive this NOEA Annual Tribute, which we feel reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone at Arena Seating," said Dave Withey. "It is a privilege to win the recognition of our industry peers and we look forward to working with many NOEA members at every type of event over the next 12 months."

(Jim Evans)

USA - In an effort to effectively insure life safety and maintain the structural integrity of the space, the award-winning San Diego Convention Centre has revised its rigging requirements. Among the new requirements, the policy states that all rigging installations must be done under the supervision of a rigging supervisor who is certified through the Entertainment Technician Certification Programme (ETCP).

"As an early supporter of the Entertainment Technician Certification Programme, we at I.A.T.S.E. Local 122, understand the value of supporting the vision of ETCP to provide a benchmark set to establish the skill levels of technicians within our profession," said Carlos Cota, I.A.T.S.E. 122's business agent. "So, when the San Diego Convention Centre proposed a change in their rigging policy stating that there would be an ETCP certified rigger on every rigging ca

Japan - Prolyte has announced the official launch of a new sales office in Japan. The combined Prolyte and Doughty sales office is a branch of Prolyte Asia Pacific.

The Tokyo based office is equipped with a warehouse that stocks a broad range of Prolyte and Doughty products, which enables PAP to gain competitive edge when delivering the products within a shorter lead-time, says the company.

Mr. Mutsuo Osawa is managing director for Prolyte Doughty Japan Incorporation (PDJ). He brings considerable experience from both the entertainment and the advertising industry, having worked for Theatre Engineering Co Ltd and headed many international campaigns, ranging from changing corporate/brand image to launching of new product for Fujitsu, Canon and Nissan.

In order to provide maximum service to customers and users, a Japanese website as well as a translation of the main Prolyte bro

UK - The Royal Shakespeare Company is the first production company to use the first automation-linked lighting control system that has been designed by Stage Technologies.

The recent production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Novello Theatre implemented the F:light system, which allows moving lights to follow the motion of automated scenery and performers, whilst remaining fully under the lighting designer's control. The system enabled technical staff to finely tune the lighting of the aerial scenes and maximise magical effects - in this case, Titania, Oberon and Bottom taking to the air in the aura of a striking full moon.

Often flying effects are used in situations that require highly accurate lighting in order not to reveal 'the trick'. Stage Technologies recognised that there was a distinct gap between lighting and automation. The F:light concept came about to b

Macau - Situated on Macau's glittering Cotai Strip, a peninsula known as "Asia's Las Vegas" that connects the islands of Taipa and Coloane, the City of Dreams is steadily climbing skywards. Melco-PBL's glamorous casino resort will include Hyatt, Hard Rock and Crown Towers hotels, as well as an apartment hotel, that will offer 2,200 rooms and suites for visitors from nearby Hong Kong, mainland China, and further afield.

The crowning attraction of the many multi-media and live entertainment venues within the complex will be the Dragone aqua spectacular, which is scheduled to première towards the end of 2009. The resort's permanent show is expected to dazzle audiences with the same imaginative flair as previous Dragone productions such as Le Rève and A New Day.

Designed by the renowned architectural office, Pei Partnership of New York, the City of Dream'

Germany - Rigging Europe will show several new products at the 2009 Prolight + Sound Show in Frankfurt. Highlights will include the worldwide launch of the new Kinesys Evo vari-speed hoist controller from the UK, plus the latest Lodestar and Coffing chain hoist products from Columbus McKinnon.

Rigging Europe is a new company formed from a partnership between two of Europe's most experienced and well respected sales companies - Louis Reyners from the Netherlands and Sonoss from France. Conceived as a one-stop rigging supplier, RE works all over Europe embracing multiple entertainment industry sectors - concert touring, theatre, film and TV, corporate and special events and installations and venues of all types - distributing a full range of the highest quality rigging and automation products from leading international brands.

The Evo is the new precision variable speed chain ho

UK - Summit Steel and PRG Lighting are supplying a complete rigging package to the current ll Divo UK and European tour. The package, co-ordinated by Jon Bray for Summit and the tour's production director Mark Ward, includes trussing, motors, rigging and control, which is being used to facilitate the hanging of audio, video, special effects and lighting.

During the pre-planning stage the tour's production rigger Jim Allison, Jon Bray and PRG Lighting's crew chief Ben Holdsworth collaborated closely in planning the hoist control and cable routing alongside lighting.

The majority of the rig has to be linked by cable runs, which then requires a simultaneous lift of 37 hoists over a wide area. The Summit Steel six-way rack mounted controllers were specified for this task. The complete control system is housed in a single dolly combining several control units and power distribution

UK - Trade distributor Impact Products (Europe) Ltd, has announced that its South London branch, operated by parent company Solutions Group (UK) Plc, is relocating to brand new purpose-built premises in the Belvedere area of Kent.

The move is scheduled to take place during the first weekend of April, in time for the new unit to be open and operational from Monday 6 April 2009. Just 6 miles away from their previous home, the new site is conveniently located just off the A2016 dual carriageway on the Belvedere Business Park.

Ample free parking directly outside the trade counter and warehouse entrances makes stock handling for both collection and delivery much quicker and far more convenient, whilst a much larger storage area means increased stockholding, with a greater quantity of products available immediately from stock.

Commenting on the new premises, Solutions Group sales

UK - Eat To The Beat has won the contract to provide dressing room and the production team catering at this year's V Festival in Chelmsford.

Mary Shelley-Smith, Eat To The Beat operations director said, "We are delighted to be adding this prestigious festival to our extensive roster of high profile summer events. The backstage catering has become a key ingredient in the success of the festivals we have become regulars at, thanks to great staff, equipment and expertise. We have previously worked with V Festival in the USA through our American office so to also be working with this one on our home turf is an honour."

Eat To The Beat has over 25 years of tour, location and festival catering experience spanning across the music, film, television and production sectors. During that time they have secured many long term festivals contracts including Glastonbury, Reading an

Czech Republic - Milos recently staged a successful and comprehensive Technical Workshop event at its facility near Prague.

Attended by 30 individuals representing rental and staging companies from all industry sectors and Milos users from across Europe, the two-day event was designed to highlight new and key products in the Milos range of trussing, staging and roofing systems. It also focused on the services and support offered by the company.

Jeff Broitman from Milos America kicked off the proceedings with an introductory speech, followed by a tour around the xtensive manufacturing facility. This enabled attendees to see first hand all the elements involved in the manufacturing process, including cutting and automatic welding, all types of trusses, the production of circles and other shapes and special projects, control, packing and final products. It also included the Milos

USA - In February 2009, a team of instructors and about 70 participants from all over the United States and Canada travelled to Midland, Texas to attend Tomcat's Hoist and Truss workshop and Rigging and Truss workshop.

The Hoist and Truss workshop featured the disassembly and reassembly of a one ton Lodestar as well as a Prostar with Dave Carmack of Columbus McKinnon. Dave Sowa of Tomcat USA led a discussion on control systems and also coached an advanced troubleshooting session along with CM's Dave Carmack. Instruction was rounded out by Dana Bartholomew of Fisher Technical Services who gave instruction and demonstrations on automation.

G. Anthony Phillips, of RigRider Rigging Services and ETCP certified rigger and instructor taught safe rigging practices and principles while Morgan Neff of Mine Safety Appliances gave instruction on fall protection practices and equipment. Pa

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