UK - The 2022 Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, took place at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium in August, Celebrating the rich history, culture and identity of the city and the West Midlands, Unusual played a key role as the contracted rigging supplier.
Working for Gary Beestone, Unusual’s job was to provide all the rigging and install all the lighting for the spectacles. Sam Carter, Unusual’s lead rigger on the project explained: “It’s been a couple of months now since the opening ceremony and the feedback we’ve had ever since has been unreal! We had our work cut out – it was a mammoth event with a modest budget, but the result was two fantastic ceremonies.”
Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium is a relatively new venue, with the west stand just recently built and the north and south stands set up as temporary structures. Big towers were erected by ESG, with the Unusual team installing video screens, supports for lighting, and hanging all speakers on wires.
“We were essentially responsible for all the duties that you’d imagine production riggers could handle – all the lighting, PA and video – basically, we suspended everything that needed hanging and took on the role of problem solvers in that area too,” added Sam.
As can be expected with an event of this scale, the challenges were many – from tight schedules (“we had six weeks to get everything done,” said Sam), to making the venue suitable for the ceremonies.
“We took an initial couple of weeks to carry out some capital works to the venue.

Europe - ETC has announced that the two new models of the innovative Prodigy P2 package hoist are now shipping, adding more load capacity to this line of utility hoists. Like the existing 300kg model, the compact profiles of the new P2-600 kg and P2-900 kg powerhead means they can fit into spaces that other hoists cannot and can be used with the unique structural compression tube which allows drop pulleys to be positioned anywhere along the length as well as absorbing lateral forces on structures that were not originally designed to support motorised rigging systems.
These technologies allow many more venues to access the safety and speed advantages that automated hoists provide for setup of stage electrics, drops, and scenic elements.
The full line of Prodigy P2-300, P2-600, and P2-900 hoists alongside ETC’s control systems with SIL-2 safety functions, are manufactured to meet and exceed the rigorous requirements of the EN 17206 harmonized machinery directive for Use Cases 1 and 2 (UC 1 / UC 2) and are fully certified by TÜV Süd according to DGUV 17/18 (formerly BGV-C1). With everything tested and pre-commissioned at the factory, there is minimal on-site wiring required which simplifies the on-site commissioning, system certification, final and recurring inspections, and project signoff process, saving time and money on site.
Product manager for rigging and power systems, Ned Keitt comments: “We are thrilled to be announcing the new additions to our Prodigy P2 range and begin shipping larger capacity hoists. With the arrival of the P2-600 kg

UK – Berkshire-based Full Production has announced a new strategic partnership with Coventry-based Avion TSL. The partnership will see both companies benefit from the sharing of premises, resources and expertise, enabling the delivery of a stronger and faster service to a broader range of clients in the UK and beyond.
Founded in 2010, Full Production has worked on a variety of top-flight events in recent years, from touring exhibitions and awards shows, to television, festivals and other special events. Drawing on a network of skilled designers, project managers and crew, the company prides itself on its central ethos of ensuring the customer’s vision is realised as fully as possible.
Avion TSL, a family-run business formed in 2001, specialises in providing full-service production for, concerts, fundraising events, fairs, Christmas walks and other visitor experiences. Under the new partnership it will operate under the Full Production banner where appropriate, while continuing its own activities as Avion TSL.
“Avion TSL focuses on a largely different niche, but is very much a like-minded company,” says Full Production’s managing director, Steve Richardson. “We worked alongside them last year, and we saw that they shared our customer-driven approach to the events market, always taking great pride in bringing an event to life, always enthusiastic and professional. I believe we will complement each other very well.”
“We’re both companies that like to say ‘yes’ when clients ask if we can do something, or if we have previou

Europe - Prolyte has announced its expansion in Norway with the appointment of Prostage as its new distributor in the country.
Prostage AS was established in 2008 in Oslo by CEO Gunnar Waldemar Naas. Since then, the company’s main goal has been to offer high-quality professional lighting, sound, and stage products at an affordable price.
“I am thrilled to work closely with Prolyte and their technical team in a distributor capacity, having worked with their products in a wide variety of projects for more than 20 years. The quality of their products, combined with their well-known level of know-how and service makes Prolyte a solid partner, and the collaboration will further strengthen our position in the Norwegian market”, said Kai Vidar Bech, technical manager, of rigging & stage machinery.
Prostage is the exclusive distribution partner in Norway for several market-leading brands and has a wide product portfolio catering to a large array of business areas in our industry. Its main offices are equipped with a full showroom, sales offices, warehouse, and product repair workshop.
Awarded with the Gaselle prize six times in the last eight years, a prize given to companies based on criteria such as increased turnover and profitability, Prostage has established itself as one of the leading players in the industry.
William Voskuil, sales director of Prolyte, added: “We are proud to introduce Prostage as an official Prolyte distributor in Norway. It is a great step in providing the Norwegian market a professional point of contact.

Germany - This year, HOF celebrates its 25th anniversary. What began in 1997 with five employees has grown over the past 25 years into a team of over 50 people.
The areas of special construction made of aluminium and steel as well as trusses for event technology still represent HOF's core business. In parallel, HOF has established itself over the past two and a half decades as a reliable partner for industry clients from the food, automotive and agricultural sectors when it comes to special constructions and contract welding work.
From day one, the motto of company founder Hans-Wilhelm Flegel has been: "The crazier the idea, the better. There is no idea that cannot be implemented." HOF has remained true to this motto over all these years and still lives by it: "We don't do things by halves. What we do, we do it right!"
One of HOF's first major projects was the tour of German musician Marius Müller-Westernhagen in 1999, which relied on a sophisticated stage design – by the standards of that time. HOF gradually developed into a full-service provider and, in addition to sales, covers the areas of construction, structural engineering and production with a complete in-house team, which guarantees customers fast development and execution of projects and great flexibility.
At the customer's request, HOF also carries out the assembly work on a turnkey basis. In the field of special constructions, HOF developed, designed, manufactured and installed, for example, the substructures for a new video wall in the stadium of Bayern Munich and for Europe's

UK - The Stage Bus, a Birmingham-based events production company that provides solar-powered staging solutions, has released the latest version of its newest stage, The Stage Box.
A concept that’s been designed and constructed at the company’s Halesowen HQ, The Stage Box is built into a converted 20ft shipping container. It provides a stage platform which can operate from the back of a truck, or as a detachable unit which can self-dismount using hydraulic legs. The entire stage is solar-powered, and can run for up to eight hours on a full charge.
The latest version of The Stage Box expands its power capacity with a modular solar battery system, allowing its running length to be extended past the eight hour mark. Combined with its nature as a self-contained unit which can be locked up and safely left at any event site overnight, this makes it the ideal choice for small to medium sized events, corporate activations, sports events, weddings and more.
The Stage Box is equipped with a powerful PA system and LED lighting, which help bring any performance or broadcast to life. Its hydraulic legs allow it to self-level on uneven terrain, simplifying the stage’s transportation and deployment. The stage can also be deployed on ground level, allowing people to get up close and personal with it when used in interactive events such as marketing activations. It can also be raised up to six feet off the ground, providing maximum visibility.
The Stage Box was first launched in 2019, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. In the two and a half year

UK - PLASA Show, London’s international event for entertainment technology, will once again open its doors at Olympia London from 4-6 September. Thousands of professionals from across the live sector are expected to attend the show, coming together to celebrate the industry’s strength and innovation following the pandemic. Tickets are still available for £15, which will increase to £20 on the door.
200+ global brands will sit side by side in Olympia’s Grand Hall, representing the very best of pro audio, lighting, audio-visual, rigging and staging technologies. These include the show’s headline sponsor Robe, as well as fellow lighting brands Chauvet Professional, Claypaky, Ayrton, Avolites, ETC, Elation, GLP, Vari-Lite, Martin, TMB, plus many more. The pro audio sector is well covered, with brands such as d&b audiotechnik, Sennheiser, Yamaha, DiGiCo, Shure, RCF and L-Acoustics. Leading names from AV will be in attendance, such as Epson, ROE Visual and PSCo. And plenty of rigging companies will be there too, including Area Four, Broadweigh, Doughty and Triple E.
The show will also feature a market-leading seminar programme, sponsored by Vectorworks, with back-to-back sessions in three seminar theatres. Attendees can learn from business leaders, get inspired by accomplished creative freelancers, and get involved in conversational industry panels. Programme highlights include design insights from the creatives behind Ed Sheeran’s world tour; lighting BMW’s HQ; powering the Commonwealth Games; and live events in the metaverse.
Not on

UK - TAIT has confirmed the appointment of Mark Dakin as managing director of TAIT Neasden & Haverhill in the UK.
Mark brings to TAIT over 40 years of production and technical direction for London’s principal opera companies and major performing arts venues, including the Royal Opera House, National Theatre and English National Opera.
In this new role, Mark will oversee local business operations, team and clients, whilst working closely with the Global Executive Group.
Mark Dakin comments: “The one thing that links the many varied roles I have held over the 40 years of my career, is the artistic application of technical expertise, the joy of collaborative practise and the balancing of the systems that enhance and deliver the artistic vision of creatives and optimise the business imperatives of producers and organisations.
“I am thrilled to be joining TAIT where my experience and these shared passions are at the heart of building a world-class, inclusive workplace, where the ambition and creativity of producers, directors, designers, architects, engineers, technicians and craftspeople can continue to thrive, and where the discovery of new fertile ground for the world’s imagination will build new opportunity to grow the broadest range of entertainment experiences for the future.”
Adam Davis, CEO, TAIT Group comments, “Mark is a motivational leader at the top of his craft and we are delighted to welcome him to TAIT. As we continue to develop our best-in-class teams for all our audience groups, Mark’s unique experience and

UK - Le Mark Group will be exhibiting its extensive product range at this year’s PLASA show. Two new Dirty Rigger products will take centre stage; the V3 edition of the heavy-duty backpack and four-way stretch ladies’ work trousers will both be showcased on Stand E20.
Additionally, Paper-Tak– a paper-based alternative to generic PVC tape will make its debut. Visitors will also be able to see a selection of Le Mark’s best-selling tapes, labels, flooring and crew wear, with a knowledgeable team on hand to answer any queries.
Speaking ahead of the show, Stuart Gibbons OBE, managing director, Le Mark Group said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the show again this year and we’re really excited to see what people think of the new products we will have on the stand. The Dirty Rigger backpack has been built around industry feedback. It’s comfortable to wear and incorporates a tough, waterproof ‘hard case’ base plus a water-resistant fabric. We really rate this backpack as a product that will safely hold both tools and a laptop.
“Meanwhile, the Dirty Rigger ladies’ work trousers will be modelled by a mannequin on the stand. Featuring a new, durable, four-way stretch fabric, the trousers offer extreme flexibility, durability and comfort.”
With an industry drive to become more sustainable and circular, Le Mark Group is proud to be launching Paper-Tak. Stuart explained: “Our customers are keen to reduce their use of plastics whenever possible. To help them achieve this, we’ve produced Paper-Tak - a tough paper-based tape

Europe - Blumano, engineering consultancy and advisers for safety and stage machinery design, has announced its expansion with Blumano Deutschland. This base, located in the heart of Western Europe, will work closely with Blumano’s network of offices in Ireland, the UK, Italy, South Korea and the Netherlands.
Laura van Haperen joins this organisation and brings impressive experience and her qualifications as a DGUV V 17/18 (formerly BGV C1) expert in Germany. Her career as a safety expert in machinery and equipment for stages and other production facilities includes collaborating with leading companies in the entertainment industry. She has also improved quality management issues regarding business and technical processes throughout her work with automated stage machinery manufacturers.
Laura and Blumano's other directors met during standardisation meetings within CEN TC433, collaborating in drafting the backbone of stage machinery technical documents and safety guidelines.
Laura commented: "During several after-work get-togethers throughout Europe, we found out that we share the same visions and mindsets. To give an example, standards and guidelines should always be written in a way that gives technical development departments, as well as designers, the maximum artistic freedom to design new spectacular effects. Of course - above all - within technical possibilities and the necessary safety framework.
“My personal passion is to find the easiest and most effective manner to handle things safely. If we, for example, have a look at equipment

UK - Prolight Concepts Group has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Flightcase Juice. The addition of this brand ‘enhances the current umbrella of brands, and enables Prolight to continue to stock, supply and develop this popular consumable’.
This label cleaner and permanent market remover is developed and manufactured in the UK and is currently available in 0.75 litre spray bottle. A 5-litre version is also available which is suitable for refills or larger usage requirements. Mini sample bottles of Flightcase Juice will be given away at the upcoming PLASA Show in London.
Managing director Andrew Jeffrey comments, “I am pleased to welcome Flightcase Juice in our group. We will be looking at further expanding the range with the same dedication and passion that we have applied to our other brands over the years.”

UK - Free registration for this year’s PLASA Show will end at midnight tomorrow (31 August). Taking place in Olympia London’s Grand Hall on 4-6 September, the leading entertainment technology trade show promises to deliver some of the latest technology, brand showcases and product demos. Alongside ample networking opportunities, visitors will also be able to take advantage of the show’s free-to-attend seminar programme of over 60 sessions, taking place across four show floor theatres. Meanwhile, the winners of the 2022 PLASA Awards for Innovation and the Gottelier Award will be announced at the show on Monday 5 September.
Don’t miss out – register for your free ticket by midnight tomorrow: https://registration.gesevent.com/survey/1ibtbcj5j6f10?actioncode=WB14

UK - Central London venue Somerset House is inviting suppliers to apply to become an accredited supplier. The venue hosts hundreds of events each year for a range of clients and is keen to ‘ensure its suppliers and their services are equally inclusive and sustainable in practice’.
Rebecca Moore, senior event manager, said, “Somerset House is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community reflecting the diversity of our society. Our newly accredited suppliers will reflect this and actively engage with it. There’s a lot of new, forward-thinking talent in our industry, and we welcome businesses both big and small that identify with our beliefs and working practices.”
The accredited list is being reviewed for the first time in over three years. Somerset House is expecting significant interest given the opportunity to work with high profile brands, businesses, and institutions on large scale public events, such as 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair and London Design Biennale, to creative industries, corporate clients, charities and social enterprises.
Events range from 50 - 1,500 guests and include - but are not limited to - conferences, meetings, receptions, product launches, fashion shows, brand activations, dinners, press events and exhibitions.
Somerset House - the ‘home of cultural innovators’ - is run as a charitable trust, with revenue raised from event hire to fund its artistic programme and outreach work, and to contribute towards the maintenance of the Grade I listed building. It receives no regular funding from t

USA - JHS has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor of Maloney Park StageGear Covers. Founded in 2017 in Wichita, Kansas by ex-musician, performer and writer Natasha Maloney Park, Maloney StageGear Covers are constructed from a high quality, robust, lightweight polyester material with a water repellent acrylic coating.
A suitable solution for protecting vulnerable instruments from dirt, dust and liquid spillage, these protective covers feature a reverse reflective silver and black stylish design. Whilst the black evokes a professional look at home, in the studio, on stage or theatre, the silver side protects vulnerable equipment from heat whilst also reflecting harmful UV rays, helping to prevent fragile instruments from fading, warping and cracking, the company says.
Maloney StageGear Covers are easily folded for storage, corners are reinforced with hemmed nylon webbing and weighted for stability, and also include ½ inch grommets for securing or joining multiple covers together.
Available for a large selection of instruments including, acoustic guitars, electric guitars and basses, amps, cabs, keyboards, effects processors/pedal boards, mixing consoles, drums, cellos, clarinets and microphones, the covers also include handy hook and loop material for a custom fit.
Natasha Maloney Park, comments: “Response to the Maloney StageGear line of products while attending the recent NAMM Show 2022 was incredible. The innovative concept behind our products has been a winner with both the consumer and institutional buyers alike, since intr

UK - An old cowshed with flagstone floors has been transformed into a home dance studio fit for a competitive dancer, thanks to Le Mark Group. Caroline de Grey, who competes in ballroom as well as a social Argentine tango and Latin dancing, needed a home rehearsal studio for the hours of practice she puts in each day.
Work on the barn conversion began at the end of 2021 and was completed in June 2022, with Caroline now boasting a space that allows her to glide seamlessly through her routines on a new vinyl floor laid by Le Mark.
“The project started in October. I got in touch with a production manager for Holland Park Opera who creates temporary dance floors. He created a frame which sat over the flagstones, before installing a wooden floor on top. He then recommended Le Mark Group for a vinyl to lay over the ply,” explained Caroline.
Caroline did her research online and narrowed her selection down to two companies. “I felt drawn to Le Mark as it markets itself as a very reliable family business. It is also a well-established company, and I felt they were professional from the word ‘go’ and very proactive; I didn’t get the same impression from the other supplier.”
The 20sq.m floor space needed a very specific sort of floor. In ballroom dancing, there is a drive action that requires the dancer to be able to push off and glide across the floor. Too slippery and the dancer goes flying; not slippery enough and the dancer won’t move. Similarly with the Argentine Tango, the dancer must be able to pivot and the floor beneath their fee

Ireland - A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ireland (AC-ET Ireland) turned to Doughty Engineering when they were contracted by Dublin Business School (DBS) to deliver a new studio space to enhance its extensive suite of programmes. DBS has evolved over the years, expanding its offerings to meet the demands of various sectors, offering subjects in business, law, finance, computing, media, arts, psychology, and social science.
To create a modern studio with the latest technologies, AC-ET Ireland specified and supplied a number of leading technology brands for the project, including Six-Track from Doughty Engineering. “Once we knew that track and drapes were part of the client’s brief, it was a no brainer for us to specify Doughty products,” explained Aaron Cripps, AC-ET Ireland’s managing director.
“We know that Doughty kit is consistently reliable and that the team would help with the design of the track. For this state-of-the-art lighting studio, which is used for camera and lighting classes and also screenings, media workshops and industry guest speakers, we needed to fit a black out feature that could also function as a high-end screening room.
“One of the biggest challenges of the project was the availability of products – an all-too-common issue being faced across the industry. Access to the space was also tricky so Doughty advised changing the track from 3m to 1m to help with this as 1m lengths could be transported via lift. Doughty made these changes with minimum price impact and no delays to the project – small changes which mad

UK - Lift Turn Move (LTM) has promoted Robert Price to general manager of the Wirral-based supplier of lifting and rigging equipment to the industrial and entertainment markets.
Price, previously head of sales, will lead ongoing growth of the business, following the 2018 acquisition by GIS AG, the Swiss electric chain hoist and light crane manufacturer. LTM distributes the full range of GIS hoists, control systems, material handling equipment and components. The company will name a replacement head of sales, who will join a team of 12 employees, in due course.
Price, who has been at the company since 2019, is continuing a second spell at LTM, having originally joined in 2011 and leaving three years later to explore other opportunities. An experienced industry professional, Price started out at Pfaff-Silberblau in 1998, where he sold GIS hoists so his association with GIS goes back many years.
He said: “I have always seen career progression as an important part of my personal development and with a long association with GIS products, this opportunity was perfect. Since I returned to LTM we have seen a significant growth in both turnover and profitability year-on-year, and I am planning to continue this growth over the coming years. The focus on selling GIS electric chain hoists and trolleys has really improved the overall running of the company. Our entertainment business has been the main driving force over the past 18 months or so, with our industrial hoists close behind, but we are seeing a substantial increase in our special application hoists,

UK - #WeMakeEvents invites keen cyclists from across the events and entertainment industry to sign up for BikeFest 2022, which will take place on Saturday 3 September.
Together, the BikeFest team will raise funds for Backup – the technical entertainment charity, which helps industry peers during times of ill health and financial hardship, and other #WeMakeEvents-supported charities. Starting at SFL’s headquarters in Reading to a destination in London, BikeFest will also kick off the PLASA Show as it returns to Olympia London from 4-6 September.
Now in its sixth year, BikeFest began as a 100-mile cycle to PLASA Show to raise awareness and funds for mental health in the industry. With the pandemic, this need became ever more relevant. Since 2020, #WeMakeEvents campaign has been instrumental in expanding the BikeFest event in the UK, and for the first time this year, in Spain.
PLASA’s managing director, and #WeMakeEvents steering group member Peter Heath, says, “We’re proud that #WeMakeEvents continues to champion what our incredible industry is all about, whilst raising important funds for our colleagues in need. BikeFest has grown year on year and is a great example of our industry’s community spirit. I look forward to seeing you on the road as we fly the flag for live events and entertainment!”
BikeFest 2022 offers two routes to choose from. A relaxed 40-mile route will traverse roads, gravel paths and the occasional field, through the Berkshire countryside, along the river Thames and into Surrey, heading east toward London. This

UK - PLASA and LSi are calling for nominations for this year’s Gottelier Award. The award recognises the invaluable contributions of the people behind the products, from pioneering product developers to creative R&D teams.
Named after the late lighting designer and industry commentator Tony Gottelier, the Gottelier Award aims to recognise product developers who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of entertainment, presentation, or installation technology.

Launched in 2007, previous recipients include: Christian Heil (L-Acoustics); Alan Jacobi (Unusual Rigging); Wayne Howell (Artistic Licence); Anne Valentino (ETC); David Cunningham (Entertec); Pasquale Quadri (Claypaky); Jim Bornhorst (Vari-Lite); John Meyer (Meyer Sound); Terry Clarke (Klark Teknik, MC2 Audio); Fred Foster (ETC); Alex Cooper (Midas & Klark Teknik); John Stadius (DiGiCo / Soundtracs); Tony Andrews (Funktion-One).

If you work with a respected product developer or R&D team, please email awards@plasashow.com by Friday 29 July with a brief summary of the product/s they have been instrumental in creating.
Voting will be open to registered PLASA Show visitors, PLASA members, and readers of LSi. The winner of the Gottelier Award will be announced during an intimate ceremony from 6pm on Monday 5 September at PLASA Show 2022, which is held at Olympia London.
Find out more about the Gottelier Award and the PLASA Awards for Innovation at: https://www.plasashow.com/aw

UAE - Unusual Rigging & Engineering won an award for exceptional delivery and contribution to EXPO 2020 Dubai. At a ceremony at Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, last month, the company was recognised for its contribution to health and safety at the event which took place between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022.
Denis Bramhall, managing director at Unusual Rigging & Engineering commented: “We are extremely proud to have won this award. There were over 3,500 subcontractors working on EXPO 2020, so for us to be one of the final 3 in the health and safety category was completely unexpected and to then come first is a huge honour. We really were up against some big companies – some of which employ ten or eleven thousand people, whereas in contrast we are an extremely small team. But good things come in small packages, and our team here at URE, really did pull out all the stops to deliver several successful projects for EXPO 2020.”
As well as working on numerous areas of the venue and providing rigging solutions for several of the pavilions at EXPO 2020, URE was contracted directly by EXPO to work on two of its main stages – the Jubilee Stage and the DMA Stage. Here they supplied all the rigging solutions for production requirements across these stages, which also included uplift requirements for IP acts.
Richard Hoare, senior project manager at URE commented: “We started work on site on July 21, with rehearsals and test events taking place in September, working with a variety of acts from the pavilions themselves to international Ips. Fo

France - Naostage has announced the appointment of experienced pro-AV professional Alexis Reymond as its new sales manager.
Reymond has worked as a freelance audio engineer, electro-acoustic consultant, sound designer and music producer for more than 20 years, most recently in a sales engineering capacity with fellow Nantes-based company Arbane Groupe (APG/Active Audio). His other experience includes spells with event specialists Videlio and Magnum, where he worked as a sound engineer for 17 years, and Disneyland Paris, where he served as a freelance AV technician.
In his new role, Reymond – who is tasked with developing Naostage’s commercial strategy and overseeing its development, both domestically and internationally – will initially focus on building relationships with major industry players in the EMEA region and showcasing the benefits of the Naostage product. He explains that he sees live shows, corporate events, performing artists, and attraction venues as priority markets for Naostage.
“My ambition is for Naostage to become, over the next three years, a major worldwide provider of automated tracking solutions by establishing ourselves as the market leader in France and establishing a distribution network across Europe, the Middle East and Asia,” states Reymond.
At Naostage, Reymond joins a team that includes the company’s founder and CEO, Paul Cales, as well as partners Olivier Le Doeuff (CTO) and Nathan Van De Hel (COO).

UK - In May 2022, Burning Man Artist, David Best, in conjunction with Artichoke UK created Sanctuary – a public artwork and COVID memorial for the nation, to pay tribute to those lost during the pandemic.
It was also a moment to mark rebirth, recovery, and regeneration. Built by Best and his crew, together with the local community, in the Miners’ Welfare Park in Bedworth, North Warwickshire, individuals from the local community took part in the project, employed to assist with the build and volunteering as Sanctuary guardians and guides once it was open to the public.
Unusual Rigging was contracted to provide production management and rigging services, to survey the site, provide condition reports, plan the build layout and production compound as well as manage the structural build and post event clean up.
Kate Harvey, director of projects at Artichoke UK commented: “We began work with the Unusual team on Sanctuary in 2020 at the very start of the project, enlisting their expertise to provide logistics and oversight of the entire project including advice on site condition, engineering of the timber sculpture, directing structural build and contribution to production reports including SAG reports. They were involved in everything from the initial assessment of the site right through to the burn and clear up as well as plans for re-landscaping, post event.”
As Covid-19 continued to tighten its grip, the project was delayed a number of times with ongoing restrictions pushing the project back until a date of May 2022 was set.
Kate co

USA - ESTA will host a Midwest Rigging Intensive course on 25-27 August in Chicago. The weekend-long event will feature a curriculum developed by a group of dedicated instructors, all of whom are ETCP recognised trainers.
With a focus on practical learning for entertainment riggers, the sessions will feature Ben Brian (Reed Rigging), Tyler DeLong (DeLong Rigging Solutions), Brent ‘Mickey’ Henry (ETC), Ed Leahy (Chicago Flyhouse), Tracy Nunnally (Vertigo), Patrick Stewart (ETC), Shane Kelly (DePaul University), Rebecca Knipfer (ETC), and Verda Beth Martell (DLR Group). This event will provide enough hours to fulfil a technician’s ETCP Education Renewal Credits requirement.
Education sessions will include topics such as fall protection, hoists, loading by math, hardware, and more. The event will comprise two days of classroom training starting at 1 pm on Thursday at The Theatre School at DePaul University, followed by a day of theatre inspection training at DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre in downtown Chicago, ending at 6pm. There will also be some social events, including drinks with TDs on Thursday night.
Early Bird tickets are $500 for members of ESTA, USITT, URTA, ITA, IATSE, EdTA, CiTT, and Aerial Arts America, as well as ETCP certified technicians; $550 for non-members; and $300 for students. Member and non-member prices will increase on 3 August 3 (student prices will remain the same). Registration is at esta.org/mri.

UK - The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) will hold a webinar for end-users in the entertainment industry.
Held live at 10am BST on 7 July 2022 via Zoom, the one-hour webinar aims to initiate conversations between LEEA members and end users, particularly those further up the supply chain. The webinar will explore how having the right lifting equipment and safe working loads in the entertainment sector is vital for successful productions and concerts - ensuring they run smoothly, efficiently and safely.
Furthermore, sourcing and training staff and contracting for ‘thorough examinations’ with LEEA members will give entertainment sector companies the confidence they seek, as members of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association conform to its ‘gold standard’ when it comes to excellence in the Lifting Industry.
Attendees to this webinar will gain an overview of legislative frameworks, training and best practices applicable to owners and end users of lifting equipment in the Entertainment industry.
Representing the Entertainment sector will be speakers Paul Fulcher, managing director, Rigging Services and Sean Pagel, director of Production Services Ireland & chairman of the National Rigging Advisory Group. LEEA experts presenting will be Keith Tonge, technical services and Dave Tucker, senior training specialist at LEEA.
For more information, visit the link below.
www.leeaint.com