News Archive for May 2026
ETP Celebrates 400!
29/05/2026 - Business News
The June 2026 issue of Entertainment Technology magazine is our 400th issue. To mark this milestone we present an extra-large bumper issue which includes features on Sennheiser’s Spectera wireless systems, the refurbishment of Jersey Opera House, the tech behind Nightsky Studios in Scotland, architectural lighting from Anolis in Clapham and everything you need to know about Eurovision!
Robe Makes Its Mark at Duinrell
29/05/2026 - Project News
The Netherlands – Duinrell is a combined holiday, amusement park and water park in Wassenaar, South Holland, which is popular with families, celebrated 90 years of operation in 2025. It started as a family park in 1935 on the historic estate of the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt family, a short distance from the beach and is one of the Netherlands’ best-loved and most successful theme parks, attracting 1.4 million visitors a year.
Nameless Winter Festival Gets Flowing Looks from Za Light and 146 Chauvet Professional Fixtures
29/05/2026 - Production News
Italy – Lighting designer Nico Berna and his collaborator Simone Tassan Din are fond of circles and tend to include the shape in many of their designs. They are in good company. Described by the great mathematician Pythagoras as the most perfect of all shapes, the circle, with its infinite quality, has always occupied a special place in the hearts of creatives. Small wonder that Leonardo da Vinci decided to place his drawing of the famous “Vitruvian Man” in a circle.
Ayrton celebrates 70 years of Eurovision Song Contest with Tim Routledge’s lighting
29/05/2026 - Production News
Austria – Broadcast by ORF, Austria’s public broadcaster, from the Vienna Stadthalle on 12th, 14th and 16th May 2026, the world’s largest televised live music event, the Eurovision Song Contest, celebrated its 70th anniversary in front of an arena audience of 11,000 and global television audience of millions.
Robert Juliat Dalis footlights enhance the glamour of RAYE’s tour with Thomas Edwards’ lighting design
29/05/2026 - Production News
Worldwide – British singer-songwriter RAYE, embarked on her first ever headline arena tour with This Tour May Contain New Music, a massive 40+ date tour across Europe and North America lasting from January to May 2026. The tour is in support of her second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope.
Make Noise
29/05/2026 - Event News
UK – Production Futures has announced the next chapter of its Make Noise campaign and with it, a new ambassador who knows exactly what it means to break into the production industry without a roadmap. Freyja Lawson, monitor and stage technician for Yungblud, has backed the campaign and is calling on educators, youth organisations and the industry to do more to make behind-the-scenes careers visible to the young people who could thrive in them.
KV2 Audio returns to ABTT Theatre Show with Roman Bar demo space
29/05/2026 - Event News
UK – KV2 Audio has announced its return to the ABTT Theatre Show following a successful appearance at last year’s event. Once again, the Czech loudspeaker manufacturer will take over the Roman Bar for the duration of the show, transforming the space into a dedicated demonstration facility.
Absen Ignites Electrifying Visuals for TooManyLeftHands & Friends at Copenhagen’s Royal Arena
29/05/2026 - Production News
Denmark – During a five-hour electronic dance music event, Copenhagen’s Royal Arena was transformed into a high-energy venue featuring Absen’s flagship rental & staging LED technology to create an immersive experience for TooManyLeftHands & Friends' headline performance.
GLP TWYN unites the creative strengths of Creos and JDC Burst 1 in a new dual-face moving head
28/05/2026 - Equipment News
GLP has introduced TWYN, a new dual-face moving head that brings together the capabilities of two of the company’s most successful platforms: the Creos and the JDC Burst 1, in a single motorised system. By combining a high-output RGBL wash with a hybrid strobe, TWYN offers a new approach to light design while significantly reducing the number of fixtures required.
ETC Introduces Foundry DIN Relay 12
28/05/2026 - Equipment News
ETC announces the Foundry DIN Relay 12, a compact, all-in-one DIN rail power switching solution designed to deliver reliable, flexible control for a wide range of applications.
Kygo’s South American Tour’s Magic Reflected by Lorcan Clarke with Chauvet Professional
28/05/2026 - Production News
Peru – Lorcan Clarke has created captivating lighting looks in shows all over the world, each of them distinctive, each of them speaking to audiences in its own special way, but all of them emanating from the same exact place: the song!
PLASA Focus 2026: Expanded, energised, still unmistakably Leeds
28/05/2026 - Event News
UK – PLASA Focus 2026 returned to the Royal Armouries in Leeds on 12 and 13 May, bringing the live entertainment technology community together for two busy days of product discovery, hands-on learning, networking and meaningful industry conversation.
grandMA3 software release version 2.4 is out now
28/05/2026 - Equipment News
MA Lighting has released the new grandMA3 software release v2.4.2.2. This software release presents lots of new functionalities and workflow improvements for many different applications:
Bremer Media & Events Steps Up with Martin Audio TORUS
28/05/2026 - Project News
The Netherlands – Bremer Media and Events, a leading AV rental company based in Rotterdam, has significantly bolstered its high-end audio inventory with the acquisition of a flexible Martin Audio TORUS sound system. As technical experts for a diverse range of large-scale events and co-managers of the Onderzeebootloods venue in Rotterdam – a former submarine wharf – Bremer required a solution that could meet the demands of a colossal industrial venue while remaining agile enough for more intimate deployments.
ISCVE Launches Professional Registration and New CPD Portal
28/05/2026 - Training & Standards News
UK – ISCVE has announced two major developments supporting professional recognition and career progression across the sound, communications and audiovisual sectors.
POLAR 8 MK2: The most compact POLAR MK2 – powerful and intuitive to use
27/05/2026 - Equipment News
With the new POLAR 8 MK2, HK Audio is expanding the successful POLAR MK2 series with its most compact model to date. The powerful all-in-one column system combines impressive sound quality, modern technology and maximum user-friendliness in a particularly portable format. Whether on small stages, in rehearsal rooms, at conferences or at events, the POLAR 8 MK2 stands out as a versatile solution for professional sound reinforcement requirements. For sophisticated design concepts, such as at weddings or corporate events, the system is also available in an elegant white finish.
Merging Select Appointed Exclusive APEX Distributor for Portugal
27/05/2026 - Business News
Portugal – Belgian amplifier manufacturer APEX has named Merging Select Lda as its exclusive distributor for Portugal.
Elation Lighting Transforms Theater De Binding into a Modern Community Cultural Hub
27/05/2026 - Project News
The Netherlands – The Cultural and Educational Centre De Binding in Zuid-Scharwoude, the Netherlands, home to Theater De Binding and part of Cool kunst en cultuur, has completed a lighting upgrade with a new LED system of Fuze and KL Series fixtures from Elation, delivered in close co-operation with Dutch distributor Rolight.
Ayrton releases Nando 1202 The Soul of Nuance
27/05/2026 - Equipment News
Ayrton has announced the release of Nando 1202, a bold, powerful and extraordinarily versatile hybrid addition to the Nando family.
Claypaky Transforms Santiago’s Skyline with Landmark Lighting Installation at Cenco Costanera
27/05/2026 - Project News
Chile – Claypaky has taken centre stage in a striking new architectural lighting installation at the Cenco Costanera in Santiago, Chile, transforming the tallest mall in Latin America into a dynamic night time landmark. Conceived by Icardi Producciones under the artistic and technical direction of lighting designer Alex Paredes and supported by MMT Chile, the project redefined the mall’s newly renovated fifth-floor gastronomic hub through an immersive integration of light, design and technology. “They asked us to give the area life, to make it stand out,” explains Paredes. “We did a demo with Claypaky that was so well received that the project expanded to four times the originally planned size.” The installation was designed not simply to illuminate the space, but to create a daily visual spectacle where architecture itself becomes part of the storytelling.
Areal’s SR1 Immersive Headphone System Wins Red Dot Design Award
27/05/2026 - Equipment News
Immersive audio specialist Areal has won a highly regarded Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design category for its SR1 spatial reference headphones.
Optimal Audio Takes the Floor at the Shanghai Metropolitan
26/05/2026 - Project News
China – Optimal Audio has stepped out in style at the Shanghai Metropolitan VIP Lounge, with an installation of Cuboid loudspeakers tuned into the discerning regular crowd: gentlemen who cut their teeth at the legendary Paramount and Metropolitan ballrooms in their younger years. Entertaining this calibre of style-focused guests who can tell a waltz from a tango at the first bar requires audio quality that hits the right note.
Producing a world-class event: ADI’s team behind Sail GP’s globetrotting show
26/05/2026 - Production News
Worldwide – Delivering a world-class global sporting event is often judged by what audiences see in the spectacle, the energy and the seamless execution.
TiMax announces Technical Audio Group as distribution partner at Entech Roadshow
26/05/2026 - Business News
Australia – Spatial Audio pioneer, TiMax, has appointed Technical Audio Group (TAG) as distribution partner for Australia. TAG takes on the full TiMax range, including SoundHub spatial processing, panLab and TrackerD4 stage tracking.
It’s full circle for Spectera at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026
26/05/2026 - Production News
Austria – As the official audio supplier to the host broadcaster ORF for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026, Sennheiser deployed its biggest Spectera set-up to date at Vienna’s Stadthalle, including manufacturing samples of the yet to be launched Spectera handheld transmitter. A total of four active Base Stations handled about 150 live streams for wireless mics, in-ear monitoring and control data in what is widely judged to have been the best live sound for the ESC ever, created by technical production company Agorà. Sennheiser’s technical application engineering (TAE) team, headed by Jonas Næsby and Volker Schmitt, were on site to provide support with the wideband system and the new workflows it permits.
Robe FOOTSIES Feel the Intensity
26/05/2026 - Production News
Australia – Intense Lighting is a rental company based in Botany, Sydney. It is owned and operated by founder Ian Garrard, who started it in 2017, having previously worked in a variety of other industry roles and with some high-profile theatre / performance companies.
ETC Zeo Delivers Spectacular Looks at DSDS Grand Final
26/05/2026 - Production News
Germany – Following appearances at several major live events, including the 2025 Halftime Show, the High End Systems Zeo once again demonstrated its capabilities at a high-profile broadcast production: the grand finale of Deutschland sucht den Superstar (DSDS), Germany’s equivalent of American Idol, on 9 May, 2026.
Tony Perez Invests in Avolites D7
22/05/2026 - Production News
Mexico – It has been a busy 12 months for leading Mexico-based lighting designer Tony Perez, who has been working for two of the country’s highest-profile bands of the moment, iconic rockers Zoé and genre-blending R’n’B trio Latin Mafia.
Bandit Lites Powers Alice Cooper’s 2026 Tour with Dynamic, Story-Driven Production Lighting
22/05/2026 - Production News
USA – Alice Cooper returned to the stage in 2026 with his electrifying Alice’s Attic Spring Tour, kicking off on 14 April in San Antonio and concluding on 9 May in Camden. Continuing a decades-long partnership, Bandit Lites once again provided full-scale production lighting, delivering a visually immersive design that amplifies the theatrical intensity of Cooper’s legendary live performances.
Benum Delivers Seamless Funktion-One Sound for Red Bull Back2Beyond in Stockholm
22/05/2026 - Production News
Sweden – When Red Bull brought its Back2Beyond concept to the Banankompaniet warehouse in Stockholm at the end of March, the production challenge extended beyond a typical system design. To realise the event’s rotating, multi-stage format, NaNaNa Produktion partnered with Benum Sweden who deployed a Funktion-One Vero VX system. Curated by Swedish DJ and producer Axel Boman, the event featured DJ Tennis, Jimi Jules and Jennifer Loveless for a series of rotating B2B sets, including several first-time collaborations.
The Modulo Kinetic media server celebrates ten years with the release of Version 7
22/05/2026 - Equipment News
Ten years after its launch, Modulo Kinetic, the all-in-one media server platform developed by Modulo Pi, continues to evolve with the release of Version 7. The new version introduces a wide range of enhancements, strengthening performance and usability across every stage of the workflow, from 3D study and mapping to real-time playback, interactivity and show control.
AbsenLive makes first Benelux business development appointment with Olivier De Bock
22/05/2026 - People News
Belgium – Absen, a global leader in LED display technology, has appointed Olivier De Bock as business development manager for AbsenLive in the Benelux region. The appointment marks the first time AbsenLive has introduced a localised business development position dedicated to the live events and entertainment market across Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Alcons Brings Five-Star Sound to Trondheim’s Nye Hjorten Teater
22/05/2026 - Project News
Norway – Marking a significant new cultural landmark in central Norway, Trondheim’s Nye Hjorten Teater features a diverse programme of musicals, dramas, comedies and family productions. The 5,000m² inner city venue was designed to deliver a true five-star theatre experience. To achieve this, the venue selected an extensive Alcons pro-ribbon sound system throughout the entire complex.
Groupe Novelty’s Magnum Revitalises Key Event Space in Paris
21/05/2026 - Project News
France – Located beneath the world’s most visited museum, Les Salles du Carrousel is one of Paris’ most distinctive event venues. Operated by Viparis, the leading holder of congress and exhibition venues in Paris, the site combines historic architecture with contemporary event facilities, offering 6,635 square metres of modular interior space capable of hosting conferences, product launches, exhibitions and gala evenings.
Robe Helps Epic Eurovision Glow Up
21/05/2026 - Production News
Austria – Robe Lighting was technical partner for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), staged with all the glamour, glitz, energy, sparkle, sheer Eurovision joy and superlative production values you expected last weekend at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna.
AtlasIED Announces Atmosphere AZP Amplifiers
21/05/2026 - Equipment News
AtlasIED, a recognised leader in the commercial AV and security industries, is focused on engineering and manufacturing products with long term viability and relevance through hardware and software evolution and based on field feedback. AtlasIED has announced the expansion of its Atmosphere digital audio platform with the introduction of the Atmosphere AZP Amplifier Series.
Vinny Shaw Rolls with Different Rigs on Fit For An Autopsy Tour with ChamSys
21/05/2026 - Production News
USA – Sure, he’s run his share of cue stacked and timecoded shows, but Vinny Shaw makes no secret about it: he loves busking, especially when it involves fast-paced, ‘heavy’ artists, The UK-based LD got precisely what he wanted this spring when he ran Fit For An Autopsy’s support show on Lamb of God’s 27 city North American tour, which ended on 26th April with a raucous unfiltered performance at the Music Hall at Fenway.
Claypaky Illuminates the Arsenale Water Show
21/05/2026 - Production News
Italy - At the historic Arsenale of Venice, the vast Darsena Grande was transformed into a spectacular open-air stage for Arsenale Water Show 2026 – The Call of Olympia, one of the highlight events of the Venice Carnival. Blending myth, emotion and cutting-edge technology, the immersive production delivered a powerful visual and sonic experience set against the unique backdrop of the Venetian lagoon.
Changbai Mountain flying dome attraction soars with vibrant imagery using a single RGB pure laser projector
21/05/2026 - Project News
China – Wincomn Technology has upgraded the projection system at Changbai Mountain Legend International Resort’s “Flying By Changbai Mountain” flying dome attraction using the Christie Griffyn 4K50-RGB pure laser projector.
Solutions On Stage Helps St Hilda’s Make Noise
21/05/2026 - Project News
UK – Founded in 1893 as a hall for women, St Hilda’s is one of Oxford University’s most renowned colleges, situated on the banks of the River Cherwell. Located within St Hilda’s is the Jacqueline du Pre Music building; a stunning, modern and intimate venue designed specifically for chamber music performances. It’s also the home of Music at Oxford, a music charity which curates regular performances by a diverse range of world-class artists, alongside a large and thriving learning and participation programme. With the venue having recently invested in a new electric organ for its main stage, they called upon Solutions on Stage to install six brand-new speakers for the instrument’s amplification as well as oversee new cabling routing.
Neo Entertainment Strengthens Martin Audio Inventory with Torus Investment
21/05/2026 - Production News
India – Mumbai-based event production company Neo Entertainment has expanded its Martin Audio portfolio with the addition of a TORUS constant curvature line array system, complementing its existing Wavefront Precision WPC inventory and broadening its capability across a wider range of events and venues.
IMS Dalt Vila 2026: Bringing Production to a Historic Stage
20/05/2026 - Production News
Ibiza – In late April, the 17th edition of the International Music Summit opened the Ibiza summer season at IMS Dalt Vila, once again transforming a UNESCO World Heritage site into one of the most visually striking stages in electronic music. The Shop Productions was proud to deliver full production for the event and once again turned to Elation lighting gear to illuminate the show.
Susan Rose Reflects Spirit of Melissa Etheridge the Rise Tour with Chauvet Professional
20/05/2026 - Production News
USA – Heartfelt emotions course through Melissa Etheridge’s latest album RISE, an inspired work drawing on the iconic artist’s personal experience dealing with love, loss and hope. Lighting designer Susan Rose reached deep into her own creative well to reflect these feelings on the multi-award winning singer’s 27-city summer tour in support of the album.
Clear-Com Enhances Musikal Perahu Kertas with Eclipse HX and FreeSpeak II
20/05/2026 - Production News
Indonesia – Clear-Com supported Musikal Perahu Kertas, a large-scale musical theatre production in Indonesia adapted from the acclaimed novel by Dee Lestari, through the deployment of an updated communications system designed for live theatre performances. Presented by Trinity Entertainment Network, in collaboration with Indonesia Kaya and the Trinity Youth Symphony Orchestra (TRUST), the musical featured frequent scene changes, live orchestration and simultaneous activity across multiple production areas. To maintain safety, timing and co-ordination throughout the run, the production team relied on Clear-Com to deliver clear, dependable communication.
Institute of Sonology Bridges 70 Years of Electronic Music Heritage with Audient ASP8024-HE Installation
20/05/2026 - Project News
The Netherlands – The Institute of Sonology at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague has announced the installation of an Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition console at the heart of its newly purpose-built facility.
SQ. Plus More: Allen & Heath Expand SQ Range with Addition of SQ+
20/05/2026 - Equipment News
Allen & Heath has announced SQ+, a major extension to the SQ range, introducing RackUltra FX processing, expanded DEEP processing power and a bigger and bolder interface across three new models: the SQ5+, SQ6+, and SQ7+.
HK Audio COSMO makes its Chilean debut at Sound Experience event
20/05/2026 - Event News
Chile – HK Audio has introduced its COSMO line array system to the Chilean market for the first time at a dedicated Sound Experience event in Santiago, bringing together rental companies, distributors and commercial partners from across the region.
Robe Goes to the Movies with RS Images
19/05/2026 - Production News
The Netherlands – Ryan Schaminee (pictured), owner of RS Images, is a busy Netherlands-based freelance gaffer and lighting console programmer / operator working on a diversity of commercial, television and movie projects and has invested in his own set of six Robe iFORTE LTX moving lights fitted with the HCF (High Colour Fidelity) LED engine for use on his numerous projects.
Harman Professional Opens New Experience Center to Elevate Customer Engagement
19/05/2026 - Business News
Sinagpore – Harman Professional Solutions, a global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, has announced the official opening of its newly revamped Experience Center in Singapore. Designed as a purpose‑built business Experience Center, the space demonstrates how Harman Professional solutions address customer needs across multiple vertical markets through real‑world applications and collaborative engagement. More than a traditional showroom, the space has been reimagined as a platform for solution exploration, co‑creation and executive engagement, reflecting the evolving ways B2B organisations navigate technology amid increasing complexity in today’s business environment.
Chauvet Professional Helps Justin Kitchenman and Luz Studio Create Magical Combination on Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean’s Live Between The Hedges Tour
19/05/2026 - Production News
USA – One plus one always equals two, right? Well… not exactly. In some higher forms of math, like abstract Algebra, that isn’t how the equation works. Nor is it always the case when you combine one creative force with another.
Nerdmatics chooses DirectOut for complex playback rigs for high-end touring
19/05/2026 - Production News
USA – Fred Carlton is the owner and operator of Nerdmatics, a Los Angeles-based design team specialising in advanced music performance systems, as well as audio and MIDI software development. He is also a partner at ASAP Sound, a collective providing turnkey solutions for entertainment applications worldwide.
Thee Sacred Souls Blessed with DiGiCo’s Quantum Power on Worldwide Journey
19/05/2026 - Production News
Worldwide – If Thee Sacred Souls evoke Amy Winehouse’s stripped-down garage-band funk of the early 2000s, it’s not surprising: early on they shared the same scrappy Daptone Records label as the bluesy diva, as well as a similar production ethos and aesthetic, plus some key personnel. Fans won’t have to go far to hear the Souls’ soulful sound this year, because the three core band members, abetted by a dozen or so musical associates on stage, are likely coming to them: after some one-off shows this spring, including two nights at LA’s Greek Theatre, the trio are heading to Asia/Oceania in May, to Europe for festivals in June, on to the UK in July and then back to North America for The Constellation Tour in August and September.
White Light Creates the Glow of 1890s Paris for CHAT NOIR!
19/05/2026 - Production News
UK – When it comes to creating unforgettable immersive experiences, The Lost Estate is at the forefront of transporting audiences into lost worlds of magical music and immersive dining. Past productions include Paradise Under the Stars, which took audiences to 1950s Cuba, 58th Street, immersing guests in 1930s New York and The Great Christmas Feast, inviting audiences into the home of Charles Dickens on Christmas Eve, 1843.
K-array audio solutions now available for specification within D-Tools
19/05/2026 - Equipment News
Leading Italian manufacturer of innovative audio technologies, K-array, has announced that its full product catalogue is now available for specification within D-Tools. Integrators and dealers across the UK and US can now use D-Tools SI and D-Tools Cloud to specify and quote K-array, K-array Marine, KGEAR and KSCAPE systems within their workflow, with other markets to follow.
Radio Riot Brings Big Gig Sound to the Pub Circuit with New Martin Audio BlacklineQ Series
19/05/2026 - Production News
UK – Radio Riot are a three-piece pub and function band delivering Britpop and guitar-driven covers spanning five decades. Like the best function acts, they bring the same energy and ambition to every show regardless of venue size. And in choosing a truly portable sound system capable of consistently delivering a big gig sound, lead singer and guitarist David Preston turned to Martin Audio’s new BlacklineQ Series of loudspeakers.
APG speakers deliver 360° sonic immersion at Paris’ Magasins Généraux
18/05/2026 - Production News
France – In early 2026, the Magasins Généraux near Paris, a former century-old industrial warehouse on the banks of the Canal de l’Ourcq, played host to HORS-SOL’s [extended day+night], an all-night anniversary event running from late afternoon through to the following morning. The event centred on a 360° stage, a carefully curated line-up of international and resident electronic music artists, and a commitment to sonic immersion that placed genuine demands on the sound system. That system was designed and deployed by MOOV’EVENT, using a full APG rig built around the Uniline Max line array.
Outline ISAAC, ongoing software progress with release 1.2.0.
18/05/2026 - Equipment News
“Seems like only yesterday and it was January, in fact, when a previous version was released,” shared a spokesperson of Outline, Italian manufacturer of Newton, the FPGA-based digital signal processor, speaking about the latest update of its control application ISAAC.
Lucie celebrates 40 with Robe
15/05/2026 - Production News
Czech Republic – Iconic Czech rock band Lucie celebrated their 40th anniversary with incendiary concerts in four major cities around the Czech Republic: one in Brno, one in Ostrava, two in Prague, finishing up at the LOGSPEED CZ Aréna in Plzeň; all were sold out.
Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Palace of Culture and Labour Enhances Live Production Capabilities with Martin Professional Lighting
15/05/2026 - Project News
Vietnam – The Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Palace of Culture and Labour has completed a major stage lighting upgrade with the installation of Martin MAC Viper XIP fixtures, modernising one of the country’s most prominent cultural and performance venues. Delivered by Stage Professional Company Limited as distributor and system integrator, the project marks the first permanent large-scale theatre installation of the Martin MAC Viper XIP in Vietnam.
Direct sales in Germany with Jürgen Nordhoff on board
15/05/2026 - People News
Germany – SGM Lighting is strengthening its presence in the German market with the appointment of Jürgen Nordhoff as area sales manager for Germany.
Disguise and Creative Technology Power Eurovision for the Eighth Year with Next-Gen Visual Technology
15/05/2026 - Production News
Austria – Disguise has partnered with Creative Technology (CT) to deliver the visual playback infrastructure for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, supporting one of the world’s most complex and high-profile live broadcast productions. The 70th edition of the event will take place in Vienna on 16th May (with semi-finals on 12th and 14th May), bringing together audiences from across the globe for another spectacular showcase of music and live production innovation.
Peter Therrien Powers Say Anything on Co-Headline Tour with ChamSys
15/05/2026 - Production News
USA – Pop Punk Joy! The headline in a local Cleveland music magazine pretty much summed up the mood at the Agora Theatre when Say Anything and Motion City Soundtrack took to the stage at the legendary venue. There may be no better way to describe the pure intensity that the two emo stalwarts having been serving up every night on their 17 city 2026 leg of their co-headline tour, which began in Fort Lauderdale.
Ayrton appoints Koen Ceulemans for International Sales in Europe
15/05/2026 - People News
Belgium – Ayrton has announced the appointment of Koen Ceulemans as its latest team member in international sales. Working with Ayrton’s European sales director, Matt Hallard and with an initial focus on Northern Europe, Ceulemans appointment begins with immediate effect.
Elation Launches Hard-hitting Rebel Dartz
14/05/2026 - Equipment News
Elation has announced the launch of the Rebel Dartz, a compact, high-energy beam FX moving head that channels the unapologetic Rebel spirit into a highly versatile, creative tool for designers who prioritize hard-hitting visuals.
DirectOut Appoints Synthax Audio UK as New UK and Ireland Distributor
14/05/2026 - Business News
UK – DirectOut, the German specialist in high-end audio solutions, has announced that as of 1st June 2026, Synthax Audio UK will be its new distribution partner for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Julian von den Stemmen Appointed Marketing Director at GLP
14/05/2026 - People News
Germany – GLP has appointed Julian von den Stemmen as its new marketing director, effective 1 July. He succeeds Ulrich Steinle, who is leaving the company by his own choice after 17 years to pursue new career opportunities.
Leyard Europe Introduces Mantis – A New Family of High-Performance, Versatile Rental LED Video Walls
14/05/2026 - Equipment News
Leyard Europe, a leading manufacturer of professional digital displays, video walls and visualisation solutions across Europe, has announced the launch of the Planar Mantis Series, a new line of indoor LED video walls purpose-built for rental and staging environments where speed, reliability and ease of use are critical. Designed for toolless, one-handed set up and teardown, the Mantis Series enables crews of all experience levels to quickly deploy and redeploy LED video walls. The product is available to order in Europe from June via Leyard Europe and will be debuted at InfoComm 2026 on the Planar Booth #C7258.
Arc Community Elevates Wellness with Martin Audio CDD Sound Experience
13/05/2026 - Project News
UK – Arc Community is redefining the wellness club in the heart of London’s Canary Wharf, combining relaxation and contrast therapy within a vibrant, social setting. To create a soundscape capable of moving seamlessly from calm, unobtrusive daytime ambience to DJ‑driven evening sessions, Arc turned to integrator Evolve AV and Martin Audio’s CDD Series loudspeakers.
Infinity and Showtec Power the Main Stage at Manga Barcelona 2025
13/05/2026 - Production News
Spain – At Manga Barcelona 2025, one of Europe’s largest festivals dedicated to Japanese culture, lighting designer Arnau Pardo from LARRY’S SCCL delivered a highly versatile main stage using fixtures from Infinity and Showtec. The equipment was supplied by Soiart Sound & Lighting Hub and played a key role in supporting the event’s wide-ranging programme, from live music performances and interviews to theatrical shows and cosplay competitions.
Chauvet Professional COLORado PXL Curve 5 Adds Extra New Dimension to Design
13/05/2026 - Equipment News
“Remember, light and shadow never stand still,” the famed British-American painter Benjamin West advised. That was over 200-years ago, but the words ring as true today as ever. Witness the bold original concepts that have been reshaping lighting design of late. Chauvet Professional’s internationally celebrated COLORado PXL series of motorised battens has been at the forefront of this revolution, opening the door to dynamic new multi-layered designs.
DirectOut Introduces ACE – A Portable Smart Audio Platform That Fits in Your Backpack
13/05/2026 - Equipment News
DirectOut announces ACE, the latest addition to its suite of Smart Audio Platforms. In a compact form factor designed to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of professional workflows, from playback and drive rack applications to fully custom processing rigs, ACE combines high‑end performance, intelligent redundancy and comprehensive connectivity in a portable, travel‑ready format.
Amadeus Acoustics to Host Technical Webinar on Eurovision 2026 Immersive Sound Workflow
13/05/2026 - Training & Standards News
Austria – Following its appointment as an official technical supplier for Eurovision 2026, Amadeus Acoustics has announced a live technical webinar diving into the immersive sound architecture of one of the world’s largest musical events.
Britannia Row is the Only One for Royel Otis
13/05/2026 - Production News
Worldwide – When Sydney synth pop rock duo Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic aka Royel Otis began levelling up their live shows in 2023, it took FOH engineer and production manager Chris Braun, hearing just half a song to want to come on board.
Production Futures Announces Return to Production Park
13/05/2026 - Training & Standards News
UK – Production Futures has announced that it will return to Production Park, Wakefield, on Thursday November 19th 2026 for its final ON TOUR event of the year.
Def Leppard Hysteria in Las Vegas with some Robe Influence
13/05/2026 - Production News
USA – Legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers Def Leppard – one of the biggest-selling rock artists of all time – played 12 incendiary sold-out shows at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, complete with a spectacular new visual and lighting design created by Montreal-based Luz Studio.
Sounding Huge: SoCo Music Project Levels Up with EVO SP8
13/05/2026 - Project News
UK – Since 2008, SoCo Music Project has been a cornerstone of the Southampton creative community, dedicated to changing lives through the power of music. From supporting young people at risk of exclusion to providing professional development for emerging artists, this ambitious music charity delivers over 1,000 creative sessions every year.
INFiLED powers Finland’s record-breaking Eurovision national selection
12/05/2026 - Production News
Finland – Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (UMK) is Finland’s national selection competition for the Eurovision Song Contest. And it returned for its 15th edition in 2026, broadcast live from the Nokia Arena in Tampere by YLE, the Finnish Broadcasting Company. The 2026 show drew an average of 1.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched edition of UMK since the competition launched in 2012.
POLAR Appoints Nick White
12/05/2026 - People News
UK - POLAR, established supplier of key industry brands to the installation, MI and professional audio markets, has announced the expansion of its team with the appointment of Nick White to the post of business development manager.
Chauvet Professional Helps Ryan Healey and 22 Degrees Reflect Many Sides of Mary J. Blige at Vegas Residency
12/05/2026 - Production News
USA – It felt “less like a concert and more like being invited into someone’s living room,” one local critic wrote of Mary J. Blige’s My Life, My Story residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, which opened on 1st May.
Laserworld Club Series focuses on two main products, with an emphasis on affordability
12/05/2026 - Equipment News
The Laserworld Club Series has been on the market for more than 15 years and it seems to have been the most well-known of Laserworld’s product lines. The new Laserworld CS-3000 micro and Laserworld CS-6000 micro take over the range, focusing on affordability with a feature set for the masses: DJs, entertainers, bars, nightclubs, even concerts use Laserworld Club Series products and the CS-3000 micro and CS-6000 micro follow the general trend in the laser show industry: more power, more affordability.
Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club takes Ayrton Rivale Profiles Into The Woods
12/05/2026 - Production News
UK – Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club’s hugely successful production of the Stephen Sondheim classic Into The Woods was performed in March at the ADC Theatre in Cambridge. The lent term musical is the highlight of the ADC Theatre year and the most demanding project in its repertoire.
Phoenix Networks Global scales new heights with India’s third DiGiCo Quantum 852, powered by Hi-Tech Audio & Image partnership
12/05/2026 - Production News
India – India is experiencing a huge upsurge in live entertainment. Well-established growth in coastal regions is now pushing into central India. At the forefront of this growth is Phoenix Networks Global, a rental company based in Bhopal, with offices across India. The company recently commissioned central India’s first, and India’s third DiGiCo Quantum 852, a landmark achievement powered by a strong partnership with Hi-Tech Audio & Image LLP, DiGiCo’s exclusive partner and distributor in India.
Absen sets the stage for Art on Ice’s visual spectacle in Switzerland
12/05/2026 - Production News
Switzerland – Few live events blur the line between sport, music and art quite like Art on Ice. Hosted from the 27 February to the 6 March across three arenas in Switzerland, the internationally celebrated ice performance show combines world‑class figure skating with live music, creating a multisensory spectacle where movement, sound and lightwork in perfect harmony.
Alfalite installs 150 LED panels in Torre Iberdrola auditorium
12/05/2026 - Project News
Spain – Alfalite, the only European manufacturer of LED screens, has completed a major new corporate installation in Spain with the upgrade of the auditorium at Torre Iberdrola in Bilbao, headquarters of Iberdrola, one of Europe’s largest energy companies and a global leader in renewable energy. The project features a visual system made up of 150 UHD Finepix 1.5 MATIX AlfaCOB LED panels.
BG Events Deploys Huge Martin Audio Wavefront Precision System for BSW Arena Show
12/05/2026 - Production News
Hungary – Budapest-based production company BG Events recently deployed what is believed to be the largest total hang for a single event of Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision series. A total of 120 line array elements from the WPL, WPC and WPS series, together with 36 SXH218 subs, were specified for BSW at the Papp László Arena.
ADI’s digital transformation at Stockport County provides measurable commercial return
11/05/2026 - Project News
UK – ADI has delivered a full turnkey digital infrastructure solution for Stockport County [football club] to help the club modernise Edgeley Park, enhance matchday experiences and unlock new commercial revenue opportunities.
Brompton Technology powers Nightsky Studios, Scotland’s top multi studio film and TV complex
11/05/2026 - Project News
UK – Nightsky Studios is a premier virtual production (VP) facility located in Coatbridge, just east of Glasgow. Opened in April last year and with close to 3,000m² of indoor space, the studio has quickly become a hub for high-profile productions, including shoots for HGTV American pay television channel and Scottish crime dramas. Spearheaded by founder and director, Lewis Simister, Nightsky Studios employs industry-leading Brompton Technology LED processing, expertly managed by the studio’s dedicated team.
Outline Sound for Romania's Largest Evangelical Church
11/05/2026 - Project News
Romania – Biserica Penticostală nr. 1, the largest evangelical church in Romania, has selected Outline as the audio platform for its newly completed 3,600-seat sanctuary in Vicovu de Sus. The installation was designed and delivered by QuattroSound, led by Lucian Galea.
Area Four Industries UK Launches New SkillsLab Training Programme at PLASA Leeds
11/05/2026 - Event News
UK – Area Four Industries UK (A4IUK) has announced the official launch of the new SkillsLab Training Programme at the upcoming PLASA Leeds show.
Robe Helps Bring Las Vegas to London at BoTree’s 77
08/05/2026 - Project News
UK – The BoTree London is a cool new-build hotel property and part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, located right in the heart of Marylebone, central London, combining all the individuality and style of boutique accommodation with the vibrance, colour and atmosphere of the bustling metropolis. It offers a welcoming, stimulating environment, perfect for those travelling for work, pleasure and adventure.
NEXT Audiogroup introduces AD3000
08/05/2026 - Equipment News
Portuguese manufacturer, NEXT Audiogroup, announces the launch of the new NEXT Audiocom AD3000, a smart full-matrix DSP Class D amplifier engineered for professional installed audio applications requiring flexible system configuration, advanced processing and simplified remote control.
SCAD Elevates “9 to 5” Production with Full Alcons Pro-Ribbon System strengthening its “Broadway of the South” reputation with advanced immersive sound design
08/05/2026 - Production News
USA – The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has successfully deployed a full Alcons Audio sound system for its recent production of 9 to 5 The Musical, marking a significant step in the institution’s continued technical and artistic growth.
Neutrik EMEA debuts Neutrik True1 Data Connector Series at PLASA Focus Leeds 2026
08/05/2026 - Event News
UK – Neutrik EMEA, the leading supplier of robust and reliable professional AVL connectivity solutions across the EMEA region, presents the all-new Neutrik True1 Data connector series to UK entertainment technology professionals, at PLASA Focus Leeds on booth N-A22 in the New Dock Hall of the Royal Armouries.
Elation Lighting System Brings New Creative Options to Hale Centre Theatre Stages
08/05/2026 - Project News
USA – As head of lighting and video at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, Utah, Jaron Kent Hermansen has played a defining role in shaping the visual design of the venue’s performance and educational spaces. The designer was instrumental in the recent specification and integration of Elation Paragon fixtures in the Centre Stage and KL Core IP, KL Par FC, and Fuze Wash 500 fixtures in the newly opened Mountain American Arts & Education Beehive, which also marks a major expansion of its education programme.
The Technical Department powers AWS Summit London at ExCeL
08/05/2026 - Production News
UK – More than 20,000 delegates attended the annual AWS Summit London at ExCeL on 22nd April. The event (one of the UK’s largest cloud technology events) is produced by Sleek Events. They in turn brought The Technical Department on board to design, install and manage the electrical infrastructure across the show floor. Although the summit is only one day long, the build is anything but. Over six days, multiple teams work across the ExCeL site alongside more than 100 suppliers, delivering a tightly co-ordinated installation programme that relies on months of pre-production planning.
Backup returns to PLASA Focus with new financial literacy seminar
07/05/2026 - Event News
UK - Backup Tech is heading to Leeds for PLASA Focus 2026. As well as highlighting the work it does to provide practical and emotional support to entertainment technology professionals in times of need, it will be hosting the latest talk aimed at providing practical wellbeing and financial advice to industry freelancers.
HIVE unveils major v1.3 software release
07/05/2026 - Equipment News
HIVE has announced the release of HIVE v1.3, a major software update that significantly expands the creative and technical capabilities of its media server platform, opening the door to more demanding applications across live events and fixed installations.
Adlib Expands Schools Outreach to Tackle Skills and Awareness Gap in Live Events
07/05/2026 - Training & Standards News
UK – Adlib has expanded its year-round schools outreach to tackle a persistent skills and awareness gap in the live events industry, making technical careers more visible to students before key education choices are made. Despite relying on skills from engineering, design and computing, the sector’s backstage roles remain largely absent from early careers awareness.
Jersey Opera House purchases DiGiCo Quantum 338T for newly refurbished venue
07/05/2026 - Project News
UK – The 125-year-old Jersey Opera House (JOH) recently benefited from a 12-million-pound refurbishment, reopening after a five-year hiatus with a gala performance in October 2025. In the last few months, the JOH has re-established itself as an outstanding live venue, delivering sellout performances from greats like Gilbert O’Sullivan, to children’s favourites like Horrible Histories, with dance, comedy and cinema also thrown in. Technical manager, Chris Wink, explains how a generous benefactor donation for equipment facilitated the purchase of a brand-new Quantum 338T, supplied by Stage Electrics, adding to their existing DiGiCo SD9 and securing the future purchase of a Quantum 112.
Hire Frequencies Makes Marathon Debut with All-Martin Audio Deployment
07/05/2026 - Production News
UK – In its 15th anniversary year, London-based event production company Hire Frequencies made its debut at the TCS London Marathon 2026, supplying all-Martin solutions across the Finish Line, Fan Zone and TCS London Mini Marathon at this year’s record-breaking event.
Auditoria Shapes the Technical Experience Behind Becoming Marilyn Monroe in Zurich
06/05/2026 - Project News
Switzerland – Auditoria delivered the technical design for Becoming Marilyn Monroe, a new immersive exhibition now open at Lichthalle MAAG in Zurich.
Paul Guthrie Sets Mood for Nine Inch Noize at Coachella with Chauvet Professional PXL Curve 12
06/05/2026 - Production News
USA – To the casual observer scanning the list of artists scheduled to perform on Coachella’s Sahara stage, the name might have seemed slightly ajar, “Nine Inch Noize!”
Anolis Goes Beyond the Bridge in Clapham, London
06/05/2026 - Project News
UK – “Beyond The Bridge” is a cool and creative community driven intervention that has transformed the Falcon Road Rail Bridge underpass in Clapham, South London, from a dingy, uninviting urban walkway to a safer, more pleasant and visually stimulating environment with the application of art, lighting and logistics.
Jake Tickle Appointed as Chief Technology Officer at Bandit Lites
06/05/2026 - People News
USA – Jake Tickle has officially been appointed chief technology officer at Bandit Lites, following his recent 20-year anniversary with the company. A global leader in entertainment lighting, Bandit continues to evolve its leadership and Jake’s promotion marks a significant step forward in that progression.
PLASA’s MD Peter Heath announces retirement
06/05/2026 - People News
UK – Peter Heath is stepping away from his role as managing director of the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
White Light Supports Pontio LED Upgrade
06/05/2026 - Project News
UK – Opened in 2015, Pontio is Bangor University’s arts and innovation centre. As well as numerous teaching and learning spaces, the venue is home to a 600-capacity flexible theatre space, 200-seater cinema, studio theatre and a cutting-edge Innovation Centre. With an eclectic programme of music, drama, gigs, cinema, cabaret and more, Pontio is in use seven days a week for the benefit of both the university and local community.
GLP X5 series visually supports DJ BoBo’s Great Adventure European arena tour
06/05/2026 - Production News
Europe – DJ BoBo is a defining figure of the Eurodance era. With more than 15 million records sold, the Swiss artist is among the most successful in the genre. He’s also just as well known for his elaborate live productions, which combine music, storytelling, dance and visual spectacle.
Claypaky Shines at Scenajutra: Innovation, Inspiration and an Encounter with the Legendary Lighting Designer Patrick Woodroffe
06/05/2026 - Event News
Poland – Claypaky took centre stage at Stage of Tomorrow [Scena Jutra], held on 13–14 April 2026 at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw and organised by Fundacja Scena Jutra, with the support of Claypaky’s Polish distributor, Prolight.
Van Damme keeps the Oasis Live ’25 fibre network running smoothly
06/05/2026 - Production News
UK – When Oasis returned to stadium stages for their 2025 tour, the production was built on a scale to match. With front of house towers, monitor world and multiple off-stage technical areas all needing to stay connected, the team at Urban Audio Productions designed a fibre and analogue network that incorporated Van Damme cabling as part of the overall system.
The Unstoppable Heart of Tune Park: Bjarte Hoff Ludvigsen on ASP8024
06/05/2026 - Production News
Norway – In the fast-paced world of studio technology where software updates and digital interfaces cycle through every few years, there is something profoundly reassuring about a piece of hardware that simply refuses to quit. This month, Audient caught up with Bjarte Hoff Ludvigsen, the driving force behind Bergen’s renowned Tune Park studio, to talk about his long-term relationship with a true industry workhorse: the Audient ASP8024 Classic.
DiGiCo Quantum852 at RODEOHOUSTON Assures Fans Heard Every Hoofbeat and Drumbeat
05/05/2026 - Production News
USA – Originally designed as an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to showcase their work, the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series – aka Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – has grown from a small regional exhibition founded in 1932 into one of the largest cultural and economic events in the United States. Since 2003, it has been staged at NRG Stadium, where it was held this year from 2-22 March, along with a slew of concerts by Tim McGraw, Lainey Wilson, Kelly Clarkson, Lizzo, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam, Shaboozey and many others.
Smode Tech Expands Development Team with Four New Hires
05/05/2026 - People News
France – Smode Tech, developer of the SMODE real-time compositing and media server platform, has announced the addition of four new team members across software development and research roles. The new hires reflect the company’s continued investment in expanding the capabilities of the SMODE platform and deepening its technical expertise.
Chauvet Professional Helps Design Team Realise Big Vision for Levity at Wintrust Arena
05/05/2026 - Production News
USA – It’s been said that creativity often feeds on ambition. Ryan Warffuel and the team at Antic Studios certainly had an ambitious creative vision for the show they planned for Levity at Wintrust Arena, a massive effort involving 330 FB4-level lasers controlled over a sprawling network of nine laptops, along with 60 Chauvet Professional Color Strike M motorised strobe-washes.
Elation Welcomes Mathias Burger as Brand Manager for Elation Europe
05/05/2026 - People News
Europe - Elation has announced the appointment of Mathias Burger as brand manager for Elation Europe. In this role, Burger will serve as a key liaison between the market and Elation’s European headquarters, helping to shape and strengthen the company’s brand presence across the region.
Arxiduc Audio Co accelerates global expansion and enhances service quality with DiGiCo’s flagship Quantum 852
05/05/2026 - Production News
Japan – Established in Japan during 2013, Arxiduc Audio Co. is a global sound reinforcement company with a subsidiary in South-East Asia, Arxiduc Asia Co, also operating DiGiCo Systems. Both companies have proven track records in delivering audio excellence and Arxiduc Audio recently became the first in Japan to introduce the Quantum 852, DiGiCo’s largest and most advanced console to date.
Sennheiser to spotlight Spectera at PLASA Focus Leeds 2026
01/05/2026 - Event News
UK – Sennheiser will return to Leeds for PLASA Focus 2026, one of the UK’s key meeting points for the live production and entertainment technology industry. With professionals from across theatre, live events, broadcast and installation coming together to discover the latest production innovations, the show offers the perfect setting for Sennheiser to highlight Spectera and other wireless solutions built for the demands of modern live environments, while also introducing visitors to selected recent additions to its wider portfolio, including the newly announced HD 480 PRO closed-back headphones.
Forty-mile runs, company initiatives, challenging bike rides and epic marathons, all in aid of Backup
01/05/2026 - People News
UK – Backup Tech relies on the goodwill of the industry to fund its support of those working behind the scenes in the entertainment technology industry. The latest fundraisers’ dedication and determination not only help bolster the charity’s own fundraising efforts but are truly inspirational.
Beyond The Game: Lighting The Modern Arena Experience with Elation
01/05/2026 - Project News
USA - From historic arenas to next generation builds, lighting in North American sports venues is undergoing a quiet but significant shift. Recent upgrades at some of the country’s most prestigious arenas: Intuit Dome, Crypto.com Arena, American Airlines Center and United Center, highlight a broader trend: venues are rethinking not just how they illuminate the game, but how lighting shapes the entire live experience.
100th Anniversary of Berlin Radio Tower Celebrated with Robe illumination
01/05/2026 - Production News
Germany – The 154-metre-high Berlin Radio Tower in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Berlin, was illuminated in a spectacular light show featuring 32 Robe iBOLT high-powered moving lights and 36 Robe iESPRITE LTL luminaires on 20th March to mark its 100th anniversary year.
Renkus-Heinz IC Live arrays Transform the Sound at the Shrine of Fátima
01/05/2026 - Project News
Portugal – The Shrine of Fátima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Located in central Portugal, the sanctuary possesses a powerful sense of spirituality and connection that attracts millions of visitors each year, with many pilgrims travelling long distances on foot to reach the Shrine. To support gatherings of this scale, the site recently implemented a new audio system centred around Renkus-Heinz IC Live beam-steering technology, designed to deliver clear and consistent sound across its vast open-air spaces.
UNICOL engineers permanent dvLED solution for Loughborough University Sports Hall
01/05/2026 - Project News
UK – UNICOL Engineering, a leader in audio-visual mounting solutions, has successfully delivered a bespoke ceiling suspension system for a permanent dvLED video wall installation at Loughborough University’s Sports Hall. The project, completed in partnership with AV integration specialist GVAV, replaces a long-standing temporary screen solution with a robust, permanent fixture above the venue’s main entranceway.
Follow-Me system deployed for Architects’ high-energy UK pop-up tour
01/05/2026 - Production News
UK – Architects, the acclaimed English metalcore band from Brighton, East Sussex, played a series of pop-up events across the UK in October 2025 to celebrate their album The Sky, The Earth, and All Between. At the heart of the show’s lighting was the Follow-Me 3D Six manual performer tracking system, supplied by 4Wall Europe.
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