Rigging / Staging

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20 June 2025

UK - 50 Cent and Charlie XCX headlined Parklife on a Serious Stages 25m TZ roof, with a new Big Top stage added to the festival for 2025.

Serious answered the promoter's request to increase the capacity of Parklife’s main Valley Stage and supplied the platform for the new Big Top Stage, continuing a long history of supplying stages and buildings to Manchester’s premier dance festival.

Parklife’s event production partners, Engine No 4, have constantly refreshed the site and infrastructure since the festival moved to Heaton Park in 2012. For 2025, they entrusted Serious Stages to support their delivery of a new main stage to accommodate larger headline productions and for an expanded audience.

Production manager Tommy Sheals-Barrett, Engine No 4, says: “We needed to increase capacity in the Valley area for our stand-alone Friday show, w

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20 June 2025

UK - The Art-Deco Grade II listed Queens Hotel has been an impressive presence on Leeds’ City Square since its construction in 1937. Designed by W.H. Hamlyn and faced with white Portland Stone, it is a striking landmark which over the years has hosted many notable guests. Royals, world leaders, and international film stars have all experienced the comforts of The Queens.

At the end of last year, The Queens was the focus of an art installation which saw LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) collaborate with Barcelona-based creative studio Onionlab on To Leeds With Love, a visual spectacular which used the elegant architecture of the Hotel as a canvas for multiple projections themed around The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The ambitious and innovative project, which embraced state-of-the-art technology and world-class design, r

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19 June 2025

Europe - TAF has released its new TC35 heavy-duty truss line, which takes versatility and strength to the max for hanging LED screens.

Hanging points can be placed anywhere along the entire length of its new, central ‘C’ profile tube for flexibility in positioning LED screens for live events. With a 20% increase in loading capacity, compared to TAF’s TT35 truss, the new line offers impressive strength and an even higher level of safety.

The line features 290 x 290mm heavy-duty square truss, Quicklock connectors with connection kit included, 0.5m - 3m lengths available, up to 746kg/m distributed load capacity, and up to 2085kg point load capacity. Powder coat colour finish is available on request.

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18 June 2025

Middle East - SRS Group is proud to announce that the company is coming to the Middle East, having partnered with NMK Electronics.

SRS Group’s first meeting with NMK was during the SLS Show in Saudi Arabia last year, where they expressed a strong interest in representing the brand.

“After careful consideration, we decided to proceed with NMK,” said Samuel Sloboda, CEO of SRS Group. “What really stood out to us was their professionalism, proactive approach, and deep understanding of the Middle Eastern market. Their energy, strategic mindset, and commitment to growth convinced us that they are the right partner to represent us in the region.

“Furthermore, their portfolio is an ideal match for all three of our divisions [Rigging, Power and Lighting], and we are certain that this collaboration will prove to be the right decision f

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18 June 2025

Europe - HOF is launching the new NEO Truss conical connectors onto the market. Key features include faster assembly and disassembly thanks to the simple click system of the clamp. The annoying hammering of the truss pins and, in the worst case, wedging of the truss pins in the truss and connector is completely eliminated, as truss pins are no longer required with the NEO Truss connector.

Further, the NEO Truss connectors can remain in the truss during transportation. On site, only the NEO Truss clamp needs to be placed around the connector.

By eliminating the truss pins, the noisy hammering together of the trusses is completely eliminated. This means that the trusses can be set up directly on site at noise-sensitive venues such as conference rooms, hotels or city centres, and also at night.

Thanks to the clamp and the elimination of truss pi

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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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17 June 2025

UK - London’s National Theatre has reaffirmed its commitment to technical excellence and safety with additional investment in EXE Technology chain hoists, further strengthening its position as one of the most advanced and innovative theatrical institutions in the world.

The National has purchased additional 350kg and 500kg EXE Rise D8+ chain hoists to complement their extensive EXE hoist inventory as part of their ongoing upgrade and refurbishment programme, which has been taking place across the venue over the last few years. The new hoists are fitted with a custom hook attachment for ease and compatibility with the grids across the venues, matching their existing EXE hoist inventory as a vital technical pre-requisite for the theatre.

The EXE Rise D8+ chain hoists, renowned for their precision, durability and safety are now an integral part of the

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17 June 2025

UK - The latest addition to Doughty’s industry-standard Quick Trigger clamp range, the Lightweight Quick Trigger joins the Baby Quick Trigger, Twenty Clamp, Slimline Quick Trigger and Titan in the growing portfolio.

The Lightweight Quick Trigger is 5mm narrower than the Standard Slimline providing more opportunities to rig between truss cords, while maintaining the customary stability familiar to users of the T58301.

Machined from 6082 T6 aluminium, and 316 stainless steel, the Lightweight Quick Trigger is designed from the outset as a rugged all-weather clamp capable of prolonged use in outdoor environments.

Developed and manufactured in Doughty’s UK factory, the IP58650 Lightweight Quick Trigger is finished as standard in Satin Black powder coat and supplied with an M10 A4 Stainless Steel fixing kit.

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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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09 June 2025

UK - PLASA Show 2025 is now open for free registrations. This September, the UK's market-leading trade event for live entertainment technology will set the stage for breakthrough products, big ideas, and invaluable industry connections. Celebrate entertainment technology and the people behind it at PLASA Show, returning to its home at Olympia, London from 7–9 September 2025.

Drawing 7,500+ professionals from across the global industry, the show offers unrivalled access to 250+ leading brands, an expert-led seminar programme, and hands-on experiences with next-generation technology.

Headline sponsored by Robe, PLASA Show 2025 features an expanded show floor filled with world-class manufacturers, distributors and service providers. Attendees can explore the latest tools and technologies for lighting, audio, AV, staging and rigging – all under one r

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09 June 2025

UK - IPS (Impact Production Services) has announced the launch of its new website (www.ips.co.uk), marking the next major step in its ongoing work to enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency. The launch follows the recent opening of IPS’s new warehouse in Milton Keynes, a major physical upgrade now mirrored by this significant digital development.

The new website represents a substantial improvement on the long serving platform that supported IPS through many years of growth. As user needs have evolved and the scale of operations expanded, the redesign was driven by the goal of creating a modern, intuitive, and transparent digital experience that better reflects IPS’s service-led approach.

Built with functionality and accessibility at its core, the refreshed site features a fully mobile responsive interface, enhanced ai powe

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09 June 2025

USA - Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, part of the Nemetschek Group, has announced the availability of its AI Assistant (Preview), an innovative new tool designed to give users instant and accurate answers to their Vectorworks-related questions.

As a preview feature in the release of Vectorworks 2025 Update 5, the AI Assistant (Preview) marks the first phase of integrating AI learning technology into Vectorworks software, with the long-term goal of providing more intelligent, personalised, and time-saving solutions to designers.

Available through the Help menu and the Vectorworks Home Screen, the built-in AI assistant is designed to give customers quick, context-aware answers to their questions, allowing them to stay focused on their creative work. Whether users need to learn new features or simply seek guidance, the AI Assistant

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05 June 2025

UK - Adlib has confirmed the completion of the supply and installation of the stage engineering systems for the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, which is due to reopen in August 2025, with a full season programme launching in September 2025.

The Adlib team has been working in partnership with architectural practice Bennetts Associates, specialist technical design consultancy Theatreplan, and Kier Construction on the new building, which is set to be a vibrant hub at the heart of the Gorbals community.

This ambitious project is the first comprehensive redevelopment of the building since it began life as a working theatre in 1878. The goal has been to ensure that the Citizens Theatre is accessible to everyone, while retaining its distinct Victorian features.

The technical infrastructure has been designed to support more performances than ever before

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05 June 2025

UK - Chase and Status headed out on their ambitious live tour across some of the UK’s biggest arenas with a ROE video screen and MoveKet automation package from PRG UK.

After the release of 2024’s Backbone catapulted Chase and Status back into the cultural zeitgeist, the highly anticipated UK tour has seen the duo go from strength to strength. Bringing a high-energy rave to arenas this size requires something special for the production.

At the Co-op Live in Manchester, the clear centre piece of the stage is the unusual ‘Letterbox’ LED upstage screen, supported by MoveKet automation to reveal the band as the show kicks off and create dynamic movement throughout the set. ROE Vanish V8T panels were used to build the 27m wide x 4m deep structure, chosen for the strong colour depth, and the 50% transparency means the lighting can be integ

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04 June 2025

UK - Event production company SEL Live launched the 2025 festival season in style, returning with the 2025 edition of Land Beyond Festival, which descended onto Brighton’s beachfront from 2-4 May.

SEL Live, which rebranded from Sussex Events earlier this year, delivered full technical production, staging and structures for three stages at the popular south coast electronic dance music festival, which was themed around the Vacant Planet.

The team at SEL Live brought their expertise to the fore with show-stopping production design and execution. In a festival known for its immersive experiences and bold aesthetics, SEL Live ensured the 2025 edition set new standards, deploying their full inventory of A4I brands, including Milos, EXE Technology and Xstage, which powered their trusted structure and rigging solutions from Area Four Ind

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02 June 2025

UK - PLASA Focus Leeds 2025 returned to the Royal Armouries on 13-14 May, drawing a vibrant cross-section of the live entertainment technology sector for two buzzing days of connection, innovation and learning.

This year’s show welcomed 2,852 professionals, an increase on the 2024 show. The quality of attendees continues to thrive, with 687 directors, owners, or chairs representing 16% of the audience. Significantly, when combining senior roles and those in sales, procurement and specification, nearly 40% of the professionals on site held final decision-making responsibility, underscoring the event’s commercial impact.

A broad spectrum of industry roles was represented, including sound and lighting engineers, technicians, production and tour managers, lighting designers, venue and operations staff, as well as consultants, buyers, lecturers, conte

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30 May 2025

Europe - TAF has increased the quality, efficiency, and output of its truss manufacturing activities with the addition of a highly advanced laser cutting machine on its production line.

Aluminium tubes used in the construction of TAF’s highly regarded truss will now feature precisely curved and angled cuts that are not only carried out extremely quickly and efficiently but will also contribute to higher strength and stability.

Thanks to the increase in production output with TAF’s new laser cutting machine, TAF is able to further ensure the delivery of its Truss on Time promise.

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28 May 2025

UAE/Qatar - Disney’s The Magic Box, a spellbinding theatrical spectacle that brings classic Disney moments to life in a bold, arena-scale production, opened last month in Doha after a successful five-week run at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Behind the scenes of the UAE leg of this technically complex tour was Unusual Rigging & Engineering (URE).

With a need for fly bars, Kinesys automation, and high-capacity performer flying winches, the show is a theatrical production layered within an arena tour - demanding a rigging solution that blends theatre precision with touring efficiency.

“From the moment I joined Proactiv Entertainment, I’ve always enjoyed working with Unusual Rigging,” said Dani Marin, senior technical manager at Proactiv Entertainment, the company behind the Middle East tour. “They’re my go-to team

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27 May 2025

UK - Sterling Event Group has announced a major expansion in facilities, a strengthened specialist team, investment in the latest production technologies, and a new brand identity.

With an impressive 25-year track record of delivering high-end production for corporate, private, public sector and live entertainment events, Sterling is now scaling its capabilities to support national and international growth. The company has built deep-rooted relationships with clients across the North of England and has consistently delivered strong growth year on year.

Sterling’s move to a new 102,000sq.ft warehouse at Manchester’s ICON Business Park more than doubles its existing capacity. The site will house a comprehensive inventory of professional-grade production technology, which is meticulously serviced and maintained by Sterling’s in-house team, for dep

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23 May 2025

UK - Highlite International showcased several new products at PLASA Focus Leeds 2025, with the Showtec IP Pixelstrip 40 and Showtec Goliath light fixtures making their UK debuts, alongside the DAP TA amplifiers.

The new products were joined by existing favourites, including the Infinity Furion S402 Spot, the Furion W402 Wash and the Furion P602 Profile. DAP’s active PA system, Frigga, was there too. Several of Showgear’s innovative rigging solutions were also on display and Wentex’s popular FOH Drape case also made an appearance.

In addition to demonstrating some of Highlite’s newest and most popular products, Highlite’s UK team took the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and foster new relationships.

Highlite’s UK sales director, David Drane, was extremely enthusiastic about the event: “It was incredibly exci

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20 May 2025

USA - ETC has announced the launch of ETC SiteLink, a powerful, new always-on monitoring solution designed to give facilities complete visibility of their lighting and rigging systems - anytime, anywhere.

SiteLink is engineered for professionals who demand reliability, flexibility, and peace of mind. Whether you're managing an entertainment space, building complex, or touring, SiteLink ensures your systems are always within reach. With real-time alerts and user-specific access controls, SiteLink empowers technical teams to stay ahead of issues and maintain peak performance across all ETC-connected devices.

“ETC SiteLink is more than just a monitoring tool - it’s an active partner in system management,” says Kirk Starks, networking product manager at ETC. “From electrical closets to rigging lines, ETC SiteLink brings your entire infrastructure

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20 May 2025

UK - Penn Elcom has launched Case Designer 2, a new version of its software platform for the streamlined all-in-one design, costing and production of high-quality flightcases. v2 features a completely rebuilt software stack and is subscription-based.

Case Designer 2 builds on the success of global manufacturer Penn Elcom’s original v1 Case Designer flightcase design software. It offers an agile, fast, and user-friendly build-and-order programme that optimises flightcase construction utilising Penn Elcom’s extensive range of robust and reliable hardware components.

The programme offers improved performance from v1, an intuitive interface, and expanded hardware compatibility with real-time 3D rendering, STP file support, and links to Penn Elcom’s continuously updated component database.

New Case Designer 2 features include the support of

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16 May 2025

UK - The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has outlined ways industry can raise awareness and find solutions to the skills gap - the primary focus of Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD) 2025 on 12 June.

GLAD, upheld by the theme Lifting Careers, Building Futures, is dedicated to tackling the growing skills shortages across the lifting industry and promoting practical tools to attract new talent. The day is a launchpad to inspire the next generation to explore careers in lifting.

LEEA will exclusively reveal the findings of its State of the Lifting Industry survey on GLAD. However, it has urged members and other stakeholders to create their own campaign contributions that can be submitted in advance and promoted via LEEA platforms on the day. LEEA wants to hear directly from the lifting industry about what they’re alre

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13 May 2025

Europe - TAFtool 5.0 is TAF’s latest version of its advanced software that allows you to build 3D structures in a virtual environment with TAF products and with real-world dimensions - all on your own computer.

Try out your new ideas. Create bespoke or custom projects. Enjoy standard/profile/top views of your structure, rotate the camera angle, zoom in, zoom out. Save your progress for later. When done, export to PDF with a list of all products and dimensions for requesting an accurate price quote from TAF.

TAFtool 5.0 comes with many improvements that includes a more polished interface, refined icons, a larger library of TAF products and support structures, weight added to 3D elements, bug fixes, and much more.

A new feature allows you to upload what TAF products you currently have in stock and use them to build your virtual structure. The