LATEST ISSUE

With both the Eurovision Song Contest and the Coronation of King Charles III having taken place in the UK this May, our wonderful industry was showcased on an international level twice, within the space of just a few days.

For many, the coronation on 6 May was the first time they’d witnessed such an historic event ‘live’; after all, the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II took place 70 years ago. This time around, the viewing public were treated to high-definition access to proceedings in Westminster Abbey and (almost) the best seat in the house thanks to multiple camera positions.

Several who had worked on last year’s Platinum Jubilee were back in the saddle for the next day’s Coronation Concert, including those behind the Jubilee Concert’s lighting and sound designs, screen content, stage design and drone show. Inside, I report on the rather regal after-party and discover how the creative and technical teams behind the concert collaborated to ensure the live broadcast was fit for a King.

From Windsor, the attention moved north to Liverpool as the mighty pop music juggernaut that is the Eurovision Song Contest rolled into town for its series of live broadcasts from 8 May, leading to the grand final on 13 May. Discover the technical ins and outs of the televised spectacular in Sarah Rushton-Read’s in-depth production report.

Also inside, we bring you a duo of duos! Firstly, two trade show reports: Prolight+Sound, Frankfurt and PLASA Focus Leeds. Secondly, two technical reviews: Ayrton’s Zonda 3 FX and DiGiCo’s theatre-focused Quantum 338T console configuration.

There’s plenty more to get stuck into this month too, including a report on the recent Harmony of the Worlds audio event, and a trip to an Essex holiday park with a brand new theatre sound system. Plus, Rob Halliday provides an update on the latest developments with lightbulbs, Ecodesign and RoHS. Enjoy!

Sarah Rushton-Read reports from the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, which hosted the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of - and in collaboration with - 2022 winners, Ukraine . . .

Claire Beeson reports on the spectacular concert held in the grounds of Windsor Castle in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III . . .

Phil Ward Claire Beeson, Joe Fuller and Phil Ward, report from the Royal Armouries on a record year for the show . . .

Regulars

LSi talks to rising star Callum Watson

Hockney Empire, Phil Ward speaks volumes . . .

The Shend interrogates Simon ‘Ding’ Archer

Lift plans

Phil Ward talks to backline tech Sara Ferrero . . .

James Simpson predicts the shape of tech to come : Transparent OLED screens