General

Details

12 November 2025

UK - The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has joined a UK-wide initiative to drive innovation in the live performance industry, partnering with the Association of British Theatre Technicians and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

The ABTT Virtual Ideas Platform (VIP) exists to spotlight and support boundary-pushing ideas that challenge how theatre is made, experienced and sustained. Developed by the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and joined this year by RCS, the platform is open to all who study or work in theatre and live events industries. It invites submissions from anyone with an idea and the ambition to develop it, regardless of background, age or career stage.

Deborah Keogh, head of engagement at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “This new partnership und

Details

11 November 2025

Your milestone 40^th anniversary edition of LSi is out now! Available with a special cover for those who subscribe to the print edition, the November 2025 edition is also available in a digital format which is available to read and download now.

Inside, along with reflections on LSi’s history, we’re proud to share a wealth of exciting content reflecting 40 years of innovation, creativity, product development and more from across the industry.

This includes an in-depth report on 1985’s Live Aid - which took place a few months before LSi’s launch - as Steve Moles talks to fellow production professionals who worked on the iconic fundraising event that quite literally changed lives. Meanwhile, Rob Hall

Details

11 November 2025

UK - Launched this month, Backstage Radio is a new digital radio station dedicated to ‘the people behind theatre, live music, and live events’ has launched this month. Backstage Radio, created by the team at Show Works aims to give the crew, creatives, and technical teams of the live industry ‘a platform of their own’.

Broadcasting on DAB+ in London and streaming online nationwide, Backstage Radio mixes music, interviews, industry news, and behind-the-scenes stories. The aim is to celebrate the people who make shows happen, from West End sound designers and touring riggers to festival stage crews and lighting programmers.

Oscar Thompson, director of Show Works and founder of Backstage Radio, said: “This started as a fun side project - a hobby that got out of hand - and now we're launching on DAB across London’s West End. Backstage Radio i

Details

11 November 2025

UAE - Ushuaïa Dubai opened its doors in October 2024, bringing the spirit of Ibiza to the Middle East. The open-air venue at Dubai Harbour launched with a headline performance from Calvin Harris and has established itself as a nightlife destination, hosting a steady stream of global names.

The backbone of the venue’s demanding audio infrastructure is powered by Van Damme cabling, supplied by regional distributor NMK Electronics and installed by SLS Production. “Ushuaia Dubai is a high-profile project with complex technical requirements, so reliability and performance were critical. Van Damme Cabling ensured that the system would perform flawlessly under pressure,” said Praveen Jayakumar, Associate technical director at SLS Production.

A significant quantity of Van Damme Black Series Tour Grade Multicore Speaker Cable and Van Damme VDM PA-CONS

Details

11 November 2025

Australia - LSC Control Systems has announced the appointment of a new marketing manager, Ash Douglas, to be based at the company’s Melbourne headquarters.

With 10 years’ experience in digital marketing, working with complex industrial and manufacturing businesses, Ash has a track record of assisting rapid growth through the execution of data-driven marketing strategies.

After being acquired by Robe Lighting in early 2024, LSC has seen significant expansion, not just in terms of manufacturing, but in its international sales network and its regional representation for stablemate brands, Avolites and Robe.

Commenting on his appointment, Ash says “LSC has a proud heritage – a rare example of Australian engineering excellence on the global stage. I’m excited to build on that legacy by working closely with our customers to understand the

Details

11 November 2025

Grassroots Support - Sam Fender has donated the entirety of his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venues Trust (MVT), which works to preserve the UK's grassroots music venues. The singer was presented with the cheque on 16 October as his third album People Watching was named the best record of the last 12 months.

He has decided to hand the money over to the MVT, in recognition of the vital role grassroots venues played in his early career. "I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today if it wasn't for all the gigs I played around the North-East, and beyond, when I was starting out," said Fender. "These venues are legendary, but they are struggling."

Since the start of 2023, more than 150 of these venues have permanently closed their doors – about 16% of the entire UK sector. In the last year, major artists including Pulp, Coldplay,

Details

04 November 2025

UK - The Purple Guide welcomed visitors to the Showman’s Show meetings tent for a morning of interactive discussions about developments to the outdoor events industry's guidance publication.

The Purple Guide is curated by the Event Industry Forum (EIF), whose chair, Steve Heap, introduced proceedings. He explained: “Having grown from 12 to 45 chapters since it was taken over by EIF from the HSE, the Purple Guide is undergoing a reformat and design update to make it a more consistent, user-friendly for subscribers to use.

“This year, we launched The Purple Guide Lite, which gives condensed guidance with an event management plan for the thousands of (often voluntary) organisers putting on events up to 500 capacity, who don’t need 45 chapters of guidance.”

He then introduced the panel compri

Details

04 November 2025

Nurturing Talent - A fund to help the struggling grassroots music venues in Manchester "where talent is nurtured and the city's music begins" has been established. The £245,000 fund created by Manchester City Council, in partnership with the Music Venue Trust, has been set up to meet the cost of increasing business rates. Small venues are feeling "financial strain" following a cut in discounts given by the government's business rates scheme, external from 75% in 2024/25 down to 40% in 2025/26, the trust said.

Kate Lowes, from the Manchester Music City network said: "Business rates relief is one of the sector's most pressing concerns". Applications are open until Christmas for the fund, which is raised from revenue generated by concerts such as Oasis at Heaton Park and business rates from larger venues including the new Co-op Live arena.

Culture Funding - The Andrew

Details

28 October 2025

Future Secured - The future of the Isle of Wight Festival (IOWF) has been secured until 2033 after the renewal of its licence. The local environment and community protection committee has agreed terms on a seven-year extension to the land licence of the event at Seaclose Park. The extension will cover the period 2026 to 2033 and will include a "further three-year option" for an extension up to and including 2036.

The council officers' report said the festival, which has been held each year since 2002, has had a "major economic benefit to the Island". It added: "The event is estimated to be worth over £15m a year to the island economy and introduces a new demographic of visitors to the island, many of whom will then continue to return both as festival goers but also long-term visitors with their families and friends. A new long-term relationship will ensure

Details

22 October 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced the fourth edition of its proactive annual event the Make A Difference Conference, returning in 2026 with a focus on bridging the gap between formal training and ongoing professional development in the theatre and live performance industry. The day’s theme will be Continuing to Learn Beyond Education.

The 2026 conference will be held on Thursday 16 April 2026 at Bathway Theatre, University of Greenwich.

“This year’s theme will focus on the employment sector as we explore how we can improve learning and development outside our formal higher education training schemes,” say the organisers. “By bringing together both sides of our industry, those that teach and train, together with employers we will break down the discourse between the two sides, and work together

Details

21 October 2025

Grassroots - Arts Council England is to invest £42m into grassroots culture projects over the next three years of its Creative People and Places portfolio. It represents the largest sum to be distributed so far as part of the programme, which funds community-led creative initiatives in areas where involvement in the arts is below the national average.

The refreshed portfolio of projects to receive funding is also the largest yet, ACE said, spanning 63 local authority areas, with Croydon, Nuneaton and Bedworth among the localities set to benefit from the funding for the first time. Existing initiatives, including Flux in Rotherham and Appetite in Stoke-on-Trent, which promote arts and culture involvement for locals, will be supported to expand their work.

The funding body said that £162m will now have been invested in more than 15,000 grass

Details

16 October 2025

USA - Midwich Group has announced a reorganisation of its North American leadership structure, designed to better leverage the combined strengths of Midwich US and SFM (a Midwich Group company) while enhancing service and support across the US and Canadian markets.

The new structure formalises a holistic approach to regional leadership while maintaining the distinct business models, local leadership teams and operational independence that drive success in each market’.

The restructured North American leadership team includes the following appointments, effective immediately:

Ghyslain Berger has been named chief executive officer for North America, assuming regional CEO responsibilities. Ghyslain has been part of SFM's executive team for over seven years, six of which as COO, and more recently as president.

Chantal Baraniuk Morin ass

Details

16 October 2025

UK - The LIVE Trust has published its initial grant making strategy detailing its approach to investing in programmes that benefit grassroots venues, artists, promoters, and festivals. This paper covers the Trust’s planned activities running up to the awarding of the first grants, expected in January 2026.

The strategy builds on principles set out by LIVE when establishing the LIVE Trust and draws on input from trustees, sector bodies, policymakers, and grassroots practitioners from across the UK. It sets out how the Trust will use the first wave of funds generated from tours building the £1 contribution into performances at venues over 5,000 capacity (increasingly the norm for qualifying shows).

In this round, the Trust will fund up to six programmes. “Funded organisations will already exist and have the ability to deliver impactful programmes

Details

14 October 2025

Strike Preparations - Actors’ Equity Association in the US is to continue with "strike preparations" in New York, after the union and the Broadway League failed to reach an agreement following two days of mediation. The union and trade association the Broadway League have been in negotiations since August over the production contract, which contains the terms of employment for stage managers and actors on Broadway. The last three-year contract ended on 28 September.

A central issue of the negotiations is healthcare and the Broadway League’s financial contribution to the union’s healthcare fund. AEA is asking Broadway League to "pivot toward humane scheduling, including providing paid time off", to pay its "fair share toward our health insurance" and to "reasonably and safely staff our workplaces to foster safety and prevent emergencies". 

An u

Details

10 October 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced the updated release of Guidance Note W3: Mental Health & Well-being in the Workplace, which will be published today, Friday 10 October, to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

This updated version of Guidance Note W3 includes revised content, new graphics, and dedicated guidance on being a witness to bullying - offering essential advice for those who observe bullying and harassment in the workplace. These enhancements aim to promote a safer, more respectful, and supportive culture within the performing arts sector.

To support the launch, the ABTT will host a free online seminar on Thursday 17 October at 12:30pm, where attendees can learn more about the updates and how to use the guidance effectively in their workplaces.

ABTT Guidance Note W3 provi

Details

07 October 2025

Festival Feasibility - The exorbitant cost of accommodation is putting pressure on the “very feasibility” of Edinburgh’s arts festivals, according to a recent report. The report also cites political tension between the UK and Scottish governments, inadequate transport and technological infrastructure, net-zero climate targets and recently introduced local legislation as significant challenges facing the festivals.

It was submitted to the UK parliament’s inquiry into the large-scale events industry by Festivals Edinburgh, the umbrella organisation that unites 11 festivals in the Scottish capital, including the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The report, first covered in the Herald, claims that Edinburgh’s festivals are a “cultural mega-event on a par with a FIFA World Cup”, attracting 4m peop

Details

03 October 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) presented playwright and director Sir Alan Ayckbourn with the ABTT Stephen Joseph Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his ‘extraordinary contributions to theatre-in-the-round and his enduring impact on British theatre’.

The presentation took place at the Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) in Scarborough on 28 September, following a rehearsed reading of Ayckbourn’s play Relatively Speaking. This year marks the 70th anniversary of professional theatre-in-the-round - a movement Sir Alan has championed throughout his remarkable career.

The award was established by the ABTT’s Stephen Joseph Committee (SJC) to commemorate the legacy of Stephen Joseph - a founding member of the ABTT and one of the foremost pioneers of theatre-in-the-round in the UK. The honour is awarded to indi

Details

30 September 2025

Eurovision Vote - A vote is to be held on whether or not Israel should be allowed to participate in Eurovision next year. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has confirmed it will invite 68 member countries to give their view at a general assembly meeting in early November. In recent weeks, countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland and Spain have all said they would consider dropping out of Eurovision if Israel's involvement continued.

A decision will be taken by a simple majority, meaning that if more than 50% of members vote to exclude Israel, the country would not take part in 2026. Israel's continued participation in Eurovision has been controversial due to the ongoing war in Gaza, and several countries had already called for their exclusion.

The EBU confirmed all 68 member countries would be invited to vote, including bro

Details

25 September 2025

The Netherlands - PPDS, together with colleagues at MMD Monitors and Displays, TP Vision, and AOC, have teamed up to conquer the annual Dam tot Damloop – the Netherlands' largest running event – to raise funds for international charity, the Eye Care Foundation for the second consecutive year.

Running as part of TPV Cares – a foundation that brings life-changing help and support to people in more than 200 countries and territories – members from each business unit came together on 21 September, to take part in the 10-mile (16.1km) two-city route, which started in Amsterdam and finished in Zaandam.

Joining approximately 35,000 other enthusiastic runners, the latest TPV Cares charity initiative united colleagues in supporting the Eye Care Foundation, an Amsterdam-based, not-for-profit organisation, in helping to prevent and cure avoidab

Details

23 September 2025

Financially Fragile - Liverpool City Council is set to extend its culture fund for 12 months amid warnings that local arts organisations are "financially fragile". A report presented by the council to its cabinet states the move will cost £2.25m but declares that not taking action could force cultural organisations to shed jobs, cut programming and even close altogether. The recommendation to extend the Culture and Arts Investment Programme was made last week following consultation with the 29 organisations to receive a share of its funding, including the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse and 20 Stories High.

Village News - Plans to expand a film and TV production facility have been approved. Culture chiefs hope the work at Northern Studios in Hartlepool and the creation of the Screen Industries Production Village will bols

Details

22 September 2025

UK - 7thSense has announced the launch of its new sister company, CurtainUp. The project is driven by ‘a team of experts dedicated to delivering exceptional technical project management, tailored software solutions, proof of concept testing, and innovative display system design’.

Founded by pixel technology experts and industry veterans Richard Brown, Matt Barton, and Adam Neale, CurtainUp brings considerable experience in solving complex technical challenges in live entertainment, theme parks, museums, and immersive environments around the globe.

“For over 20 years, 7thSense has helped customers open shows, experiences and attractions on time by providing the highest quality, flexible AV products,” said Richard Brown, co-founder of CurtainUp. “With CurtainUp, we’re expanding on that legacy. We’re giving clients direct access to a dedic

Details

16 September 2025

Manchester Calling - The 30th annual Mobo Awards will be held in Manchester for the first time in March 2026. The awards – which celebrate black music, culture and excellence from the UK and abroad – will be held on 26 March at Co-Op Live Arena. Stars who have previously been part of the awards include Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Sade, Amy Winehouse and Usher.

In the lead-up to the ceremony, organisers will also be hosting a week-long fringe festival in Manchester featuring industry panel discussions, live music showcases and workshops. The awards have helped launch the careers of UK artists such as Little Simz, Stormzy, Central Cee and Raye. Started in London in 1996, the Mobo Awards have since been held all over the UK.

St David’s Days - Academy Music Group has confirmed an agreement with C

Details

11 September 2025

UK - During the PLASA Show in London, the European associations AFIAL, APESA, AVITA, Event Confederation, PLASA, PSA and VPLT announced their intention to join forces internationally.

The group represents manufacturers, distributors, dealers, system integrators, production companies, professional end-users and technical service providers involved in live events.

The new alliance (Entertainment Technology Industry Alliance - ETIA) offers a platform for exchange, pools expertise and resources, and provides a strong voice in European legislative and regulatory processes. The associations represent six European countries: Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

The associations are: Event Confederation (umbrella organisation for Belgian event professionals); AVITA (Audiovisual Association of Finland); APESA (French Allia

Details

09 September 2025

Bowie Musical - When David Bowie died in 2016, his parting gift was a final album, Blackstar, shaped by his cancer diagnosis and an acceptance of mortality. But in his final months, he had also started another project, described in his notes as an "18th Century musical".

Called The Spectator, its existence was unknown to even his closest collaborators – until the notes were discovered locked in his study in 2016. They have now been donated to the V&A Museum, with the rest of Bowie's archive. They show Bowie's fascination with the development of art and satire in 18th Century London, alongside stories of criminal gangs and the notorious thief ‘Honest’ Jack Sheppard. "Right at the very beginning, I really wanted to write for theatre," Bowie told BBC Radio 4's John Wilson in 2002.

Radiohead Revival - Radiohea