UK - Around 400 Robe fixtures were on site in various areas at the 2013 Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts in Pilton, Somerset UK. Glasto is the largest and best known 'greenfield' festival in the world with a capacity of 175,000 and a truly eclectic line up of live music and entertainment over three action-packed days.

Robe UK's own Ian W Brown took his tent, clothes-pegs and wellies and got into the festival spirit, where a very iffy start weather-wise came good . . . with sunshine, soaring temperatures and sizzling expectations.

Ian spent time hanging out at some of the coolest Glasto spaces including The Park with its abundance of open air stages, late night bars, lounges and cafés, tee pee villages, art installations and 17 metre high illuminated Ribbon Tower that overlooks the entire festival site.

Supplying lighting to the main stage at

UK - By way of completing a trio of open days this July, Ambersphere Solutions has announced a London open day at their West London headquarters on Friday 19 July.

This will complete a 'tour' of open days around the country this fortnight - the first taking place at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon on Tuesday 9 July, followed by a trip to the South-West and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School on Thursday 11 July.

The open day in London will allow customers to view the expanded facilities at Ambersphere Solutions, and meet the Ambersphere team behind the sales, service, support and training for Clay Paky, MA Lighting and Robert Juliat in the UK.

"As well as catching up with our team and taking a look around the programming and training facilities we have here in London, our showroom will be full of the latest kit from our exclusive brands. It will be an excellent chance for

USA - Clay Paky Sharpy fixtures proved to be country strong when they turned out in force for the 2013 CMT Music Awards at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Lighting designer Tom Kenny used a large complement of Clay Paky Sharpys for the gala special, which was hosted by Kristen Bell and Jason Aldean.

"The CMT Music Awards is a huge event on the music calendar and gets bigger and bigger every year. It outshines every other awards show," says Kenny.

Kenny partnered with production designer Ann Brahic, who marked her fifth year with the show. "She designed a set that was a very modern scape. It went along with the theme of the show: a cross-cultural look at country music," he explains. "People loved it. Ann really understands lighting, and we have a great relationship."

Francesco Romagnoli, Clay Paky area manager for North and Latin America, add

Australia - As of 1 June, 2013, authorised Shure distributor for Australia, Jands Pty Ltd, began distributing conferencing products manufactured by Danish Interpretation Systems (DIS), a division of Informationsteknik Scandinavia Group of Copenhagen, Denmark, which Shure acquired in February 2011.

"With the acquisition of Informationsteknik, Shure has reinforced our position in the installed sound market. Together, Shure and DIS have a history of innovation, quality and customer commitment, and with our strong and dedicated network of distributors, we will deliver state-of-the-art conferencing solutions to an expanded customer base," said William Chan, managing director of Shure Asia Limited.

(Jim Evans)

Norway - A dazzling array of pure beam Sharpys, rigged in a two-tier array around the Oslo Spektrum Stadium and pointing directly at the audience, has added superstar sparkle to the final of Norwegian Idol.

Respected lighting designer, Anders Busch, specified a host of Sharpys for the closing show of the international TV show phenomenon.

"The concept for the Norwegian Idol finale 2013 was that it should not look like every other TV talent show," explains Petter Nilssen from lighting equipment supplier, Elektrik Solutions AS. "The production designers didn't want the ubiquitous supersized LED or projector screens, they wanted something different. In addition the producers wanted to have as many people in the audience as possible. In order to do this they needed a 360 degree stage."

This presented a considerable challenge - how to create enoug

UK - Dating from the 13th century, the Chester Mystery Plays production involves hundreds of amateur actors, volumes of volunteer work and a great audience from different corners of the UK and from all over the world. Organized every five years, this year's performances took place for the first time ever in the Chester Cathedral's nave, where about 100 CHauvet Professional fixtures lit the set.

"In order to bring these 700-year-old Mystery Plays to life, I knew I had to deliver some spectacular effects," said lighting designer Chris Ellis. " I also knew we needed a large lighting rig to do justice to the large setting in the Nave of Chester's medieval cathedral. With only modest power supplies available, it was an ideal opportunity to try out a large LED rig to help keep the power consumption down. Chauvet lighting kindly obliged with a selection of some 10

Italy/USA - LDR has announced a significant change in their distribution policy for the USA . Effective from July 2013, LDR will cease the cooperation with Ballantyne-Strong.

LDR's Fabiano Besio says, "Ballantyne-Strong proved to be a professional and dedicated partner for LDR during our many years of collaboration and we wish them all the best for the future.

"The change has been necessary to answer the growing demand on LDR products in the USA and particularly on the Canto followspots and The Xpress 21 color color Scroller . Our customer base is very demanding and expects from our distributor the same high level of quality and service that are representative of our products.

Beginning 1 August, 2013, the Canto followspot range and related LDR products will be exclusively distributed and serviced by CantoUSA.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - The first live show in Europe to use Robe's new Pointe moving light fixtures was headlined by DJ and house music producer David Guetta at the DR2 Plaza Festival in Hannover.

The Pointes, supplied by satis&fy AG, were part of the specification provided for his headline slot enjoyed by 17,000 fans who packed the venue.

Guetta's lighting designer is Leggy (Jonathan Armstrong), and lighting is looked after on the road by lighting director Junior (Alex Cerio) from Smash Productions.

Armstrong is a big Robe fan and has used various Robe products in his work for some time. He was delighted to get the chance to run 20 x Robin Pointes - making their worldwide concert debut - in Hannover.

These were supplied, together with the rest of the lighting rig, including another 74 Robe fixtures by the leading German lighting rental house which has over 800 Robe units in its hire s

Peru - Together with Novolite screen & Light s.a.c, MA Lighting's distributor in Peru, MA Lighting Latin America, has just finished its grandMA 3D competition in Lima. Twenty young LDs selected from 50 participants had the chance to present their designs in the auditorium of the UNIFEM in Lima during the contest.

The contest was an ideal opportunity to showcase the use of grandMA 3D as a free pre-programming and design tool. It also showed that in combination with the free grandMA2 onPC software, users could access a real life design studio.

The jury comprising Alarico Sanchez, director of Novolite, Daniel Ridano and Paulo Lebrao from MA Lighting Latin America, Francesco Romagnoli from Clay Paky and lighting designer Mario Ráez assigned the awards to: first, Alex Tacora from Peru winning an MA onPC command wing; second, Jose Luiz Fagundes from Brazil winning an MA 2Port Node

UK - Neneh Cherry is back for a small UK tour with new band RocketNumberNine and they have chosen the RML demo room for their production rehearsals.

This multi-purpose space can simulate studio conditions especially useful for lighting demonstrations, effects and design. The RML team of proficient lighting and industry experts and technicians can be on hand to clarify features, performance and technical characteristics. Alternatively the space can be hired for many other purposes including small productions, rehearsal space, pop promos, music videos, photo shoots and training to name a few.

Lighting designer Ed Warren, who is busy working with a number of artists including Mumford & Sons said that it was "a fantastic space" and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Black Light now has one of the largest hire stocks of ETC LED lighting in the country. The company has recently invested in over 100 pieces of ETC's technically-sophisticated range.

"LED is the way forward," says Calder Sibbald, Black Light's head of hires. "We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible choice and the latest technology and we think that ETC's range offers an unbeatable combination of features."

The new additions to Black Light's stock include Source Four LED Lustr+ and Studio HD Profiles, Vivid Desire D60's Vivid, Lustr+ Desire D60 Lustr+'s and Vivid Desire D4060 Vivid luminaries.

"We bought some Lustr+e Profiles last year and they have been out on hire almost constantly ever since," says Sibbald. "We know that this range is perfect for our broad customer base which includes Lighting Designers, Ven

UK - ADB Lighting has supplied the English National Opera (ENO), based at the Coliseum in London, with a Eurodim TwinTech dimming system, fitted with dual-mode DimSwitch dimmer modules.

The installation in April was carried out by ENO's chosen installer, Push The Button (PTB) and distributor White Light. The innovative DimSwitch software-switchable dimming and switching system, housed in ADB's dedicated Eurodim TwinTech cabinets, replaced ENO's existing dimmer system.

Already performing in many of Europe's leading opera houses, theatres and TV studios, ENO joins the likes of the Onassis Cultural Center in Athens, the De Doelen auditorium in Rotterdam, Opéra Bastille in Paris, Opéra de Lausanne, New Music Centre Linz, National Theatre of Bahrain and many others. White Light had already supplied a quantity of ADB's WARP/Motorized silent automated profiles for ENO's

Denmark - Sitting off the main highway in the Danish town of Losning, innovative concrete solutions provider Boligbeton decided to take advantage of the 30,000 vehicles driving past its facility on a daily basis. An opportunity to refresh its image by using free advertising space presented a more positive company image than the mundane concrete yard. Design firm Pluskontoret Arkitekter (PA) presented a lighting solution featuring 10 Martin Exterior 400 image projectors to tell the detailed story of the concrete process.

A number of thoughts were considered to improve the yard's aesthetics, but the proposal to illuminate the 140 x 11m façade was the winning idea. A unique and fun way to tell Boligbeton's production story, from the open pit and transportation to the end product, would provide a stunning, yet simple solution. Architect Daniel Olsen of PA understood a dynamic illum

India - LumenRadio continues the expansion of its global distribution network with the announcement of Integrated Entertainment Solutions as CRMX distributor in India. Based in Mumbai, Integrated Entertainment Solutions is a leading distributor of products for the entertainment industry in India, with brands such as Robe and Martin Audio already part of their portfolio.

IES was founded in 1996 by Rasesh Parekh and Kekul Sheth. IES started out as a lighting distribution company but soon realized the potential of the industry and the need for more products and services.

Besides being a distributor, IES also offers lighting and sound solutions including complete integration with concept, design, installation and execution.

Rasesh Parekh says, "Intelligent lighting has seen a lot of development since the early years, CRMX wireless technology is the next step in that develop

USA - Elation Professional takes advanced Philips MSR Platinum lamp technology to "the next level of brawn and brightness" with the Platinum Spot 35 PRO, an 800W, feature-packed moving head spot fixture that's designed for large stages, amphitheatres, sports arenas, and major concert tours.

Featuring the biggest, most powerful Platinum lamp source used by Elation to date -- the 55,000-lumen, 7,800°K MSR Platinum 35 - the Platinum Spot 35 PRO delivers up to 76,880 lux @ 5m (at minimum 8° zoom). Yet, like all Elation Platinum Series fixtures, it's energy-efficient relative to its output and features a high quality optical system that provides the power and sharpness professional applications require.

Not only is the Platinum Spot 35 PRO powerful enough to illuminate the largest venues and events, its palette of creative tools makes it a lighting pro's dream to

UK - Following the successful HOG4 launch and due to high demand, High End Systems is releasing a series of Hog4 training videos.

In tandem with the large number of worldwide training classes undertaken both by High End Systems and its extensive distributor network, the initial 12 videos will allow everyone to learn how to use a Hog.

The videos have been split into easy to watch segments meaning that beginners as well as experienced users will benefit from them. They are also in a logical order allowing for the user to move from one element of the Hog software to another with ease. The 12 videos means that users who only need to look at a specific area of the console may do this with ease.

"The addition of these videos to our already extensive training program is testament to our commitment to offer education at multiple levels"says Jeff Pelzl, VP, technical and ma

UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) Ltd provided spectacular video projection for the British Racing Drivers' Club's (BRDC) dazzling annual British Grand Prix party at Silverstone racing circuit.

Staged every year on the eve of the F1 Santander British Grand Prix, this year a party was held for the first time at the BRDC Farm, which is adjacent to the celebrated race track.

AC-ET's technical manager, James Bawn, decided to bring the façade of the space's Georgian building to life. For this he used dynamic, high-speed racing footage from the BRDC's own film archive. To achieve the overall look Bawn specified a Green Hippo GrassHopper controlling Barco HD20K Projectors and TV One signal transmission for the projection.

BRDC's Stuart Pringle was delighted: "It was fantastic to see the BRDC Farm transformed into a dynamic, visually vibrant space full of light and

Brazil - Robe moving lights were at the hub of the show lighting for the recent Skol Sensation Party staged at Anhembi Parque in Sao Paolo.

The popular event, attended by over 50,000 dance music fans, enjoyed a stellar line up of DJs and megamix sessions from Mr White, Sunnery James, Ryan Marciano, Anderson Noise, Do Santos, Funkagenda, Michael Woods, Deniz Koyu, DBerrie and many more.

Sao Paolo-based LPL Professional (LPL) has been the official provider for the Brazilian Skol Sensation for five years. The main stage lighting production was a collaboration between LPL and the event's two LDs - Summer and Pascal - who ran lighting and visuals on the night.

The Brazilian version of the event - originated in Amsterdam and staged worldwide - is known as one of the best and most sumptuous of these dance music extravaganzas, packed with beautiful people and superlative sounds. It'

UK - The rumours began circulating weeks before the event that Grammy award winning musician and DJ, Skrillex would perform a surprise DJ set at the Glastonbury festival. The rumours proved to be correct when he appeared on the Gully stage in the Silver Hayes dance area. The whole area was packed even though the official announcement was made only hours before and the show was one of the highlights of the weekend.

MilTec UK Ltd supplied the bulk of the lighting via A1 Entertainments of Bristol who supplied the complete package of staging, sound and lighting for the Gulley.

All of the Miltec equipment was LED powered and consisted of 10x Batten2s, four EPW2 and two EPW3 moving heads, 20 144Q LED pars and two 324W moving head washes. The EPW fixtures were very popular, being used for profile beams, washes and pixel effects.

Paul Wilshire, owner of A1 Entertainment commented, &

UK - Bristol UK creative visual design practice Smash Productions has taken delivery of the first Martin Professional M6 control console in the UK and Europe, which will be available for rental and also in action for assorted shows and productions in which SMASH is involved.

Smash, headed by Alex 'Junior' Cerio and Tim Smith is known for its innovative, imaginative and fresh approach to production design through lighting, video, visuals and scenic elements for all types of live events.

Their work encompasses many genres and styles, embracing corporate launches and parties through to touring with top international DJs and bands.

Smash is in the process of investing in key areas of equipment like control surfaces to further facilitate the design side of the business, and the new M6 is an addition to Smash's ever growing collection of lighting consoles.

The console can be hoo

Europe - Chris de Burgh has trod the boards of venues throughout the world since the early 1970s. So far his albums, including 18 studio albums, have sold more than 45m copies worldwide and received a total of 200 gold and platinum disc awards. The European singer and composer is travelling around Europe on tour at this moment.

The lighting designer and operator Chris Schatz, from Klinkertor Studios/Schattenwerk has chosen 20 Clay Paky Sharpys and a large number of MA Lighting products for the tour. Augusta-based Gruppe 20 has provided the lighting, rigging and sound systems, as well as dealt with the transportation.

Chris Schatz says, "Clay Paky Sharpys are really fantastic lights! For one song, I achieved a striking effect using four simple cylindrical mirrors. The reflected rays produced an incredible moving light effect.

"I have dealt with Chris de Burgh's ligh

UK - Black Light has helped put some sparkle into the summer through its work on a new drinks promotion for the Aperol Spritz brand. The company's events team has partnered with the brand experiential agency, Lightblue UK, on two high-profile events in Brighton and Manchester.

"We provided a full event package to the organisers" says Black Light's event project manager, David Moffat. "As well as supplying all the necessary stage, sound, AV and control equipment, we also installed and trained the client to manage in our absence."

Aperol Spritz was a sponsor of the 2013 Brighton Fringe Festival, which ran from 3 May to 2 June, and Black Light's equipment was used at the Aperol Spritz Social garden, which contained a large style bar serving Aperol Spritz, a stage with live music, comedy and variety acts, a Spritz booth, interactive game and insta-printers. The

USA - LEDtronics reports that their new LED lamps at the Santa Monica Pier and Carousel Building are helping the 97-year-old landmark conserve energy by more than 30%, increase safety, remove light pollution, and reduce maintenance time.

"The old, fluorescent lights on the pier burned out, left gaps in the lighting and were in a difficult area to maintain," states Matt Henigan, City of Santa Monica, office of sustainability and the environment, energy efficiency engineer. "With the new LED lamps in place, maintenance is minimal, and we have already reduced energy consumption by over 30%. And because the LED lighting is directional, it improves safety and enhances the Pier's appearance without causing light pollution for local residents."

The 413,056sq.ft Santa Monica Pier also includes one of the few, surviving all-wooden carousels in the world, part of the

USA - The most recent Electric Daisy Carnival, held in Las Vegas 21-23 June, demonstrated once again why this iconic gathering is much more than North America's largest music festival (of any genre). Featuring some 200 EDM artists on seven stages, alongside theatrical performers, interactive art exhibits and amusement rides, EDC's sprawling 1,000-acre Las Vegas Speedway site was transformed into a surrealistic fantasy world with state-of-the-art visual production that made the three-day event a total immersive entertainment experience for the 345,000-plus fans who attended.

Numerous leading production specialists and lighting pros lent their talents to creating EDC Las Vegas 2013's breathtaking audio-visual environment; one thing many of them shared in common was their choice of Elation Professional products. Five of the festival's stages featured Elation lighting and video prod

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