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industry updates

TRILUX Helps Transform Cancer Treatment Environment at Maastro Radiotherapy Centre

London / UK, July 2026 – TRILUX has delivered a bespoke lighting solution for Maastro, a
leading radiotherapy centre in the south of the Netherlands, helping transform its treatment
rooms into calmer, more reassuring spaces for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Working alongside healthcare specialists Architecten aan de Maas and installation partner
Equans, the project formed part of a major refurbishment programme to replace
radiotherapy equipment while placing the patient experience at the heart of the redesign.
Radiotherapy treatment rooms are highly specialised spaces, constructed with thick concrete walls
to contain radiation. While technically essential, these environments can often feel clinical and
intimidating.

Maastro wanted to change that.

"Nobody comes here by choice," says Liesbeth Cloin, Manager Facility Management at Maastro.
"That's exactly why we wanted to move away from the cold, clinical feel often associated with
healthcare environments. We looked at how light, colour and themed interiors could bring a sense
of calm to what is, for many patients, an anxious experience."
Each of the six treatment rooms was given its own identity, inspired by themes including water,
meadows, marl and cherry orchards. Above each treatment unit, bespoke sky images were printed
onto TRILUX Arimo LED panels, creating the impression of looking up into the open sky.
"These aren't generic stock images," Cloin explains. "They're photographs of places our patients recognise. For a little while, they can forget where they are and instead feel connected to somewhere familiar."

Lighting that guides and reassures

Working closely with Architecten aan de Maas, TRILUX developed a lighting concept that supports
patients throughout their journey into the treatment rooms.
"From the moment patients enter the treatment area, the lighting gently guides them through the
space," explains Rafael Calis Sanchez, architect at Architecten aan de Maas.
A narrow asymmetrical Finea light line runs through the access corridor, providing subtle
wayfinding while creating a calm atmosphere. Positioned slightly off-centre, it offers a more
comfortable visual experience for patients being transported on beds, while working alongside
Sonnos downlights to deliver balanced, even illumination.
Within the treatment rooms themselves, the lighting was equally carefully considered.

"It's a small detail," says Cloin, "but it makes a huge difference. Nobody wants a bright luminaire directly above them while they're being wheeled into treatment."

A collaborative approach

From the outset, the project relied on close collaboration between Maastro, Architecten aan de
Maas, Equans and TRILUX to balance the demanding technical requirements of a radiotherapy
facility with a more human-centred environment.
"Together, we looked for the right balance between functional and experiential lighting," says Calis Sanchez.
One example was the integration of TRILUX Finea luminaires into the centre's suspended ceiling
system.
"The Finea light lines were originally designed for fixed ceilings," adds Cloin. "Thanks to some smart adaptations, they fitted perfectly into our suspended ceiling system. I really appreciated that flexibility."
Calis Sanchez also praised the collaborative design process.
"Marcel Jansen from TRILUX understands the way I design. He always contributes ideas and ensures the lighting complements the architecture without compromising on quality or
atmosphere."

More than lighting

The redesigned treatment rooms combine lighting, colour and artwork to create a more welcoming
environment throughout the patient journey. Murals by a local graffiti artist continue each room's
theme through the access corridors, providing moments of familiarity and distraction during
treatment.
"This is how we create warmth, recognition and distraction," says Cloin. "We have patients taking
photos beside the murals after their final treatment. Some even coordinate their clothes with the
colours of their treatment room. I think that's a wonderful compliment."

The benefits extend beyond patients.

"Our staff spend much of their day working on screens," Cloin explains. "That's why the lighting is
automatically dimmed where appropriate. It creates a calmer ceiling, reduces visual fatigue and
gives us a fully programmable system that also supports our Green Deal sustainability
commitments."

Continuing to improve

Four treatment rooms have now been completed, with the experience informing future
refurbishments across the centre.

"We keep learning," says Cloin. "With every refurbishment we build on what we've learned before.
Working with one committed lighting partner allows us to keep improving, and because we know
the process so well, we can plan bespoke luminaires early and avoid unnecessary delays."
The partnership is now extending beyond the treatment rooms, with TRILUX lighting being
introduced into offices and waiting areas as part of Maastro's wider refurbishment programme.
Calis Sanchez believes the same design philosophy should apply throughout the building.
"We want every stage of the patient's visit to feel as comfortable as possible—from arriving at reception and spending time in the waiting area to treatment and returning home. Our aim is to
create an environment that feels more like a hotel than a hospital, helping to reduce the anxiety
associated with cancer treatment. Light is a crucial part of achieving that."
For Cloin, the project's success can ultimately be measured by its effect on patients.
"We want patients to feel safe and relaxed," she concludes. "If lighting helps achieve that, then we've done our job.".

For further information on healthcare lighting please visit:
https://www.trilux.com/gb/applications/health-care/health-care/

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industry updates

Serving Looks with Light: How Light Forms Brought Peaches & Cream’s Liverpool Flagship to Life

Peaches & Cream’s flagship store on Dale Street in Liverpool has been reconfigured into a more cohesive, characterful retail environment that reflects the brand’s independent spirit while creating a stronger customer experience. Working with Harrison Stringfellow Architects, the project reimagines the space around the qualities that have always defined the brand – fun, energy, theatricality and a strong sense of place.

The fit-out responds to the store’s need for greater continuity across the interior, bringing together the retail floor, tester station, makeup artist masterclass auditorium and waiting area, as well as the photography and editorial space. The result is a more considered layout that supports the way customers move through the store while giving each zone a clear purpose and identity.

Light Forms was directly appointed on the project, having worked with the client previously, and supported the team in developing a lighting scheme that helped move the brand forward without losing its original essence. A bespoke approach was needed, with track and spotlight systems specified in a custom RAL yellow finish to complement the interior concept and reinforce the visual language of the space.

Nova 62 is used above the tester table to provide clean, comfortable illumination for product interaction, helping customers engage with the display in a clear and inviting way. Powergear Track, also finished in RAL yellow, supports the overall lighting strategy with a discreet but highly effective architectural presence. Globe Pendants, likewise completed in RAL yellow, are used to light the display products and till area within the proposed metal frame, adding a more expressive layer and helping to define key moments within the store.

Together, these elements create a lighting scheme that feels playful yet refined, balancing retail functionality with the more theatrical qualities of the Peaches & Cream brand. The lighting helps to unify the different parts of the store while enhancing the atmosphere, supporting both the customer journey and the wider identity of the business.

Sustainability, accessibility, fire strategy and acoustics were also considered as part of the wider re-fit, ensuring the new store is as practical as it is distinctive. The final result is a flagship retail space that feels confident, contemporary and unmistakably Peaches & Cream.

Paul Shoosmith, Director at Light Forms, commented: “Peaches & Cream was a great project to be involved in because the lighting needed to do more than simply illuminate the space – it had to support the brand experience and help bring a real sense of personality to the store. Working with Harrison Stringfellow Architects and the wider team, we were able to deliver a scheme that feels considered, cohesive and true to the original character of the brand, while still moving it forward.”

Su Stringfellow, Director at Harrison Stringfellow Architects, said: “Light Forms were an excellent partner on this project. They understood the design ambition from the outset and worked closely with us to develop a lighting solution that supported the brand, the layout and the customer experience. Their guidance on the bespoke finishes and product selection was invaluable, and the finished result has helped bring a strong sense of identity to the space.”

Together, the lighting and interior design have helped transform Peaches & Cream’s Liverpool flagship into a more connected, expressive and experience-led retail destination.

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industry updates

LiGHT 26 Registration Opens as Messe Frankfurt UK Launches the Next Chapter for the UK’s Lighting Specification Event

The UK’s leading lighting specification event brings together hundreds of brands, inspiring content and the people shaping the future of lighting – with free registration now open.

LiGHT 26, the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification, returns to the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on the 18th and 19th of November 2026, bringing together the lighting and design community for two days of product discovery, expert insight and valuable industry connection.

Whether specifying an upcoming project, searching for new suppliers, discovering the latest technologies or simply looking to stay ahead of emerging trends, LiGHT 26 provides a unique opportunity to explore the very best of the lighting industry – all under one roof.

Since launching in 2022, LiGHT has quickly established itself as a key date in the calendar for architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, consultants and specifiers, offering a dedicated platform to discover new products, meet leading manufacturers and connect with the people behind some of the most innovative lighting projects.

For two days, the Business Design Centre will become a hub of creativity, collaboration and conversation, with hundreds of leading architectural and decorative lighting brands showcasing the latest products, technologies and solutions. From cutting-edge lighting systems and controls to decorative fittings, technical innovations and smart building technologies, visitors will have the chance to experience new ideas first-hand and discover products before they are specified on future projects.

Returning for LiGHT 26, the Technical Zone will provide a dedicated area for brands specialising in lighting controls, emergency lighting, OEM components, lamps, gear, connected technologies and more. Reflecting the growing importance of intelligent and integrated lighting solutions, the zone offers visitors the chance to explore the technologies driving the future of sustainable and efficient design.

Beyond the exhibition floor, LiGHT 26 will deliver an inspiring programme of talks and discussions, bringing together influential voices from across the lighting, architecture and design communities. Curated by [d]arc media, the [d]arc thoughts talk programme will explore the latest challenges, opportunities and ideas shaping the future of lighting, with speaker announcements for this and the splinter talks programme in the Associations Lounge to follow.

Adding another creative dimension to the show, planning is already well underway for the LiGHT 26 Art Installation, which will once again bring together lighting, creativity and design to create a memorable centrepiece for visitors to experience during the exhibition. Further details will be revealed in the coming months, with visitors invited to experience this unique feature during the show.

Networking remains at the heart of the LiGHT experience. From conversations with exhibitors and industry experts to informal catch-ups with peers, the event provides the perfect environment to build relationships, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities. The popular late-night drinks reception will also return, offering visitors and exhibitors the chance to continue conversations in a more relaxed social setting after the first day of the show.

LiGHT 26 also marks the first edition of the exhibition under the ownership of Messe Frankfurt UK, following the acquisition of LiGHT Expo London. Now part of Messe Frankfurt’s internationally recognised portfolio, the exhibition will continue to build on the strong foundations established since its launch, while retaining the community-focused identity that has made LiGHT such a valued event within the lighting industry. [d]arc media will continue to support the exhibition through promotional activity and the curation of its content programme.

Simon Albert, CEO of Messe Frankfurt UK, said: “LiGHT has become one of the most important meeting places for the UK lighting specification community, and we’re delighted to welcome the industry back this November. As the first edition under Messe Frankfurt UK, LiGHT 26 will continue to deliver what visitors and exhibitors value most – exceptional brands, inspiring content and meaningful connections – while benefiting from the international reach and expertise of the wider Light + Building portfolio.”

With thousands of professionals expected to attend, LiGHT 26 is set to once again bring together the brands, ideas and individuals shaping the future of lighting. Completely free to attend, it offers an unmissable opportunity to discover new products, gain fresh inspiration and connect with the wider lighting community.

If lighting plays a role in your projects, LiGHT 26 should be in your diary.

Register now for free and be part of the UK’s leading event dedicated to lighting specification.

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industry updates

Circular Lighting Live 2026: Speakers announced

A Full-day conference and exhibition delving into all aspects of the circular economy in
lighting. 8 October, Minster Building, City of London

Clients and specifiers are asking more challenging questions about embodied carbon, material
choices and end-of-life product responsibility. Legislation on repairability and upgradeability is
approaching, and Environmental Product Declarations are increasingly becoming a requirement
rather than a differentiator.
Organised by Recolight, Circular Lighting Live 2026 is the event where those questions get answered.
Taking place on 8 October at the Minster Building in the City of London, the conference brings
together designers, specifiers, manufacturers, and supply chain professionals to explore the practical
realities of a low-carbon future. Alongside the multitrack conference programme is an exhibition of
sustainable lighting innovation.

Speakers confirmed, with more to be announced over the coming weeks.

Keynotes
The day opens with Vision 2040, in which John McRae, director of Orms, pictures a lighting industry
beyond the take-make-use-waste model. A second keynote, Beyond Fast Lighting, sees Sabine De
Schutter, founder of Studio De Schutter, argue for upcycling as design strategy.
Following the keynote presentation, delegates can choose from six specially curated sessions to get
the most out of the day.

Data & Compliance: Alexander Flekler (WAGO) and Flavie Lowres (Recolight) unpack what EPDs mean for the supply chain; Neil McLean (Lutron Electronics) uncovers the tidal wave of circular economy legislation from Europe.
Innovation & Material: Niclas Thulin (Fagerhult) and Dean Skira examine how material choices and AI-driven design are cutting embodied carbon in new products.
Disruptive Design, the Role of Designers explores how independent lighting designers are shifting
specification habits in response to regulation and client demand.
Projects Uncovered, Real World Lessons: Ryan Bean (CBRE) and John Bowden & Brendon Airey (Light Projects Evolve) present the remanufacture of Leadenhall Market's historic fittings, offering lessons in heritage-sensitive circular practice.

Carbon Literacy: Sojan Johny (The Carbon Literacy Project) introduces the Carbon Literacy framework; Chris Newman (Albis) surveys the latest low-carbon and bio-based polycarbonates.

Confronting Cat A, Six Ways to Cut Waste: examines leasing models and design-for-reuse
approaches to reduce waste from Cat A fit-outs.

The day also hosts the Build Back Better Awards 2026, celebrating creativity, innovation and
environmental leadership in lighting.

Book Now – Early Bird Rate for Manufacturers ends on 31 July

Manufacturer tickets are available at a reduced price, with an early bird rate available to end of July, plus a further discount for Recolight WEEE Compliance Scheme Members. Manufacturers are urged
to secure their place now before the early bird deadline passes.

Free Places for Specifiers Support from event sponsors means attendance is free for lighting specifiers. This includesindependent lighting designers, architects, consulting engineers, wholesalers, and end-users.
Specifiers are encouraged to reserve their complimentary delegate place as spaces are limited.
Circular Lighting Live 2026 is a timely opportunity for the whole lighting supply chain, specifiers, end users, manufacturers, remanufacturers, distributors, and contractors to understand the forces
reshaping the products being made, stocked and specified, and the companies that supply them, as
the industry moves toward a low-carbon, circular economy.

Book your place at circularlighting.live

The conference is sponsored by Light Projects Evolve, Albis, Fagerhult, Thorlux Lighting, and WAGO.

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industry updates

LEDVANCE becomes Official Lighting Partner of FC Bayern Munich roots, global reach: partnership through 2029

FC Bayern Munich and LEDVANCE, one of the world’s leading providers of general lighting, have announced a new long-term partnership running through 2029. LEDVANCE will become Official Lighting Partner of the German record champions and will work exclusively with FC Bayern Munich in the category of “lighting technology and lighting solutions”.

The two partners are united not only by shared ambitions, but also by genuine proximity: both are rooted in Munich, with LEDVANCE’s headquarters located within sight of the Allianz Arena. As Official Lighting Partner, LEDVANCE will support FC Bayern Munich as a project partner on modern lighting and infrastructure initiatives across the sporting environment. The partnership will cover everything from functional lighting solutions that support safety and orientation, to architectural lighting that enhances atmosphere and experience.

Together, both partners aim to inspire people, create memorable experiences and further strengthen their positions within their respective industries. With a modern outlook and a shared focus on global growth, FC Bayern Munich and LEDVANCE will bring their expertise and capabilities together in the years ahead.

Rouven Kasper, FC Bayern Board Member for Marketing & Sales, said, “FC Bayern Munich and LEDVANCE are united by their commitment to showcasing success in the right light. Elite sport is all about emotion, energy and special moments, and in LEDVANCE we have gained a strong partner who, like our club, has its roots in Munich whilst also being at home all over the world. We look forward to many successful years together.”

Local roots, global ambition: This partnership brings together the shared vision of two internationally recognised brands with genuine local connections, enabling close collaboration and the efficient, pragmatic and sustainable delivery of joint projects.

The partnership has grown through a range of initiatives around the Allianz Arena in recent years, including work driven by the phase-out of traditional fluorescent lamps. Sustainability remains firmly embedded within LEDVANCE’s corporate strategy. Alongside lighting quality and technological innovation, the partnership will therefore place a strong focus on energy efficiency and the responsible use of resources.

Fredrik Ergert von Gillern, Global Head of Brand & Communication at LEDVANCE, added, “It is no coincidence that this partnership has been formed in Munich: our headquarters are within direct sight of the Allianz Arena. Together with FC Bayern Munich, we’re demonstrating what lighting can achieve – in terms of performance and safety, as well as the atmosphere in the stadium and around matchdays, which inspires people all over the world. For us, this partnership is a significant step towards further expanding our international project business and actively shaping the future of sports venues and beyond. At the same time, we are strengthening our global brand perception and sharpening our positioning.”

In addition, initiatives are planned over the coming months to bring the partnership to life for fans step by step. The goal is to establish a long-term, resilient collaboration that continues to grow through visible projects and experiences.

The focus is not only on products but also on project expertise across the entire value chain – including planning, implementation, and long-term operational performance.

10 years of LEDVANCE: project expertise for holistic lighting solutions

LEDVANCE is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, and the new partnership with FC Bayern Munich reflects the company’s evolution into a holistic project partner for demanding lighting and infrastructure projects.

Over the past decade, LEDVANCE has developed from a traditional lighting manufacturer into a provider of luminaires and connected lighting solutions, consistently expanding its portfolio beyond its core business. Today, the company delivers holistic solutions across key application areas including sport, office and education, industry and logistics, outdoor and grounds, and retail.

Under the motto “10 Years of LEDVANCE. 100 Years of Excellence. Your Vision. Our Light.”, the company builds on a century of lighting expertise and positions itself as a partner that transforms customer visions into future-ready lighting solutions – wherever lighting helps shape performance, safety and atmosphere.

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industry updates

Ansell Lighting announces strategic appointments to support growth strategy

Leading lighting designer and manufacturer, Ansell Lighting, has announced six strategic appointments as part of its ongoing growth and expansion strategy.

Charlotte Jago has joined the company as Head of Commercial Finance and FP&A, alongside Matthew Clague who has been appointed as Head of Customer Success, Sam Henderson who joins the business as Project Manager and Jonthan Knock who takes up the role of Supply Chain Manager.

Further expanding the management team are Diane Utterson, who takes up the role of Supply Chain Planner, and Julie MacCluskey, who has been appointed as Health and Safety Manager. These key additions mark an important advancement in the company’s growth journey, bringing significant strategic insight and operational expertise to accelerate expansion and enhance service to customers.

Joining the finance department, Charlotte Jago brings 18 years of experience in finance, with the majority of her previous roles concentrated within the manufacturing industry. Her strategic insight, strong commercial acumen, and commitment to driving business performance will play a key role in Ansell’s focus on adding value across the organisation.

Head of Customer Success, Matthew Clague brings fantastic leadership experience, and a strong passion for leading change and driving customer satisfaction. Clague started his career in retail for Argos, where he played a key part in the digital transformation and launched new format stores. He later joined tool hire company Speedy as Retail Director, and later became a Trading Director, supporting the company’s transformation strategy and implementing new systems to better support customer insight.

New Project Manager Sam Henderson has spent most of his career in operations roles across food manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. At Ansell he will partner with teams across the business to enhance project structure and help drive progress on strategic priorities.

Jonathan Knock joins with over 20 years’ experience in the rail, telecommunications and healthcare industries. He brings leadership and operational expertise in supply chain and procurement, focused on driving product availability while streamlining performance. His focus will be to align the performance of our supplier base to our customer requirements, while streamlining the flow of products into our warehousing sites.

The company’s operational infrastructure is further bolstered by Diane Utterson and Julie MacCluskey. Utterson brings more than 20 years’ experience in supply chain operations, while MacCluskey, who most recently was as a Health and Safety Advisor at Glass Futures. takes up a brand-new role for the business as Health and Safety Manager.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, said: “These appointments are part of Ansell’s broader strategy to continue investing in infrastructure and people, reinforcing our position as a leader in lighting solutions and ensuring we continue to deliver first class service.”

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industry updates

THE EDITIONS luminaires win Red Dot Awards and receive Austrian State Prize for Design 2026 recognition

 The TALUNA table lamp has won the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” Award 2026 in the
“Lighting and Luminaires” category.  

 SKENA free-standing luminaire wins a Red Dot Award 2026 and receives a special
recognition at the Austrian State Prize for Design 2026
 SOLENA glass tube luminaire shortlisted as one of three finalists for the Austrian State
Prize for Design 2026 Luminaires from the EDITIONS series by Zumtobel have been recognized at the recent prestigious design awards: The compact TALUNA table lamp won the "Red Dot: Best of the Best" Award 2026 in the "Lighting and Luminaires" category. Only the best products in each category receive this quality seal. In the same category, the SKENA free-standing luminaire was awarded the Red Dot Award 2026. At the Austrian State Prize for Design 2026, the SOLENA glass tube luminaire was one of three nominated favorites in the running; SKENA received one of 14 special recognitions. With THE EDITIONS, Zumtobel offers a curated series of lighting solutions that are developed in collaboration with leading international architects, design studios and lighting designers for exclusive architectural projects and set particularly high standards of design and functionality.

The TALUNA table lamp impressed the jury of the Red Dot Design Award with its minimalist design,
reliability and sustainability. At TALUNA, the design, construction, and number of components used
are reduced to the absolute essentials. Timeless elegance, replaceable LED light source, recyclable
materials such as sheet steel, and high manufacturing quality ensure the luminaire's durability and
substance. The housing made of bent sheet steel emphasises the minimalist style. The joints of the
light housing are not welded. This reduces power consumption during production. Launching soon in
ten subtle pastel shades, TALUNA blends harmoniously into any room while making a strong design
statement.

With the SKENA free-standing luminaire, another product from THE EDITIONS collection has received
the Red Dot Design Award. SKENA is the result of a collaboration with the Hamburg-based office
BAID Architektur and a customised answer to the requirements of modern working environments. The
luminaire is ideally suited to open-plan workplaces and shared workstations. With the help of
integrated sensors, it adapts lighting levels to daylight and the presence of people in the room. With
the optionally available swarm function, several luminaires can also be connected to form a ‘light
cloud’ to create optimal workplace lighting as well as a pleasant atmosphere.

SOLENA made it into the top three products in the "Capital Goods" category at the Austrian State Award for Design 2026 and was thus shortlisted as one of the three finalists. The suspended luminaire was developed together with the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron and the lighting designer Reflexion AG for the sustainable office building HORTUS. The luminaire combines design, function and aesthetics with a distinctive signature and radical simplicity. The result is precise, efficientillumination with a subtle shimmer that accentuates architectural details and adds depth to interiorspaces. SOLENA combines sustainability and design quality in one luminaire: designed to be modular,maintenance-friendly and recyclable, it impresses with maximum efficiency and visual excellence. In 2025, SOLENA was honored with the “Red Dot: ‘Best of the Best’” design prize for its outstanding product design.  

"THE EDITIONS embodies our aspiration to rethink light, developed for exclusive projects in forward-looking design. We bring enthusiasts together and empower creative minds to realize visionary ideas,push boundaries and inspire others,” says Matthias Menke, Vice President Atelier at Light Zumtobel,

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industry updates

GLP X5 Series Lights New Intimate Stage at the Iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

Eight impression X5 Compacts, six X5 Atoms, and six X5 Dot Washes enable Upstairs at Ronnie’s to pull off everything from near-acoustic solo concerts to high-energy soul acts without compromising the room’s intimate feel.

Karlsbad (Germany), 14th July 2026 – Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club has been at the heart of London’s live music scene since 1959, welcoming artists from Miles Davis to Amy Winehouse on its stage. The club’s newly refurbished first-floor room, Upstairs at Ronnie’s, marks a significant new chapter in that story. Transformed from a low-ceiling bar with floor-level performances into a properly appointed stage complete with a grand piano, raised ceiling, full acoustic treatment, and a new PA and lighting rig, the space is designed to mirror the atmosphere of the historic main club in a more intimate setting. At the heart of the new lighting installation is GLP’s X5 Seri

Charlie Dale has worked at Ronnie Scott’s for 15 years, progressing from technician to technical manager. Throughout that time, he has consistently pushed for the club ‘ s lighting to match the quality of the music on stage, overseeing the significant upgrade to the downstairs main club rig in 2018 and establishing a model of dedicated lighting technicians at every performance. When the club decided to refurbish the upstairs room, Dale was asked to design the new lighting rig. The installation was carried out by Steve Myers Ltd, who handled the full design, build, and wiring of the lighting infrastructure while also supplying all fixtures. This single-supplier approach kept the project streamlined from start to finish.

The brief Dale set for the rig was demanding. Given the low trim height and the breadth of the programme, which spans near-acoustic solo classical concerts through to high-energy funk and soul performances, fixtures needed to be compact, operate as quietly as possible, and deliver high-quality colour and accurate skin tones at potentially very low output levels. At the same time, the rig needed to be capable of dynamic movement and varied looks for more energetic shows. “The combination of small, quiet, great colour at low output, and movement capabilities is not an easy thing to find,” says Dale.

Eight impression X5 Compacts form the core of the moving-light rig. Each fixture houses seven 40 W RGBL LEDs delivering up to 3,980 lumens across a 3.6° to 66° zoom range, with 540° pan and 236° tilt, and GLP’s iQ.Gamut colour calibration system ensuring accurate, consistent colour reproduction, including reliable skin tones. The X5 Compact’s pixel-mapping capability allows the rig to generate varied looks without relying solely on movement too. Critically, GLP developed bespoke fan modifications for the Ronnie Scott’s installation, reducing the X5 Compact’s operating noise below the standard specification. This was a unique step taken to ensure that the fixtures would cause zero intrusion during the club’s quieter, more intimate shows.

Six X5 Atoms provide compact, static wash coverage above the stage. Outputting up to 430 lumens from a single 40 W RGBL LED head and zooming from 3.5° to 32°, the Atom’s external PSU design keeps the head unit itself exceptionally small and light. This is a significant advantage given the room’s low trim height.

Six X5 Dot Washes are specified to complete the GLP rig. The smallest member of the X5 Series, comparable in size to a standard MR16 Birdie, the Dot Wash delivers up to 550 lumens from a single 40 W RGBL LED with a manual twist-zoom ranging from 16° to 68°, making it well-suited to close-proximity positions where the visual footprint of the fixture itself matters.

A key reason for specifying across the X5 range was colour consistency. “Keeping everything in the X5 range meant that colour matching between fixtures is very easy,” says Dale. “The X5 Atoms and the X5 Dots are compact and silent, meaning they don’t disturb our intimate shows and are visually unobtrusive above the stage. The X5 Compacts, once GLP had made some custom fan modifications for us, gave us the best combination of small fixtures that are quiet. And with the pixel mapping ability, they allow us to have dynamic lighting and different looks without having to rely solely on movement.”

GLP’s involvement extended well beyond product supply. Key account manager Paul Fielder worked closely with Dale throughout, from initial fixture recommendations through to providing demo stock for trialling on live shows before final specification. The custom fan modifications to the X5 Compacts, developed and tested by GLP specifically for this installation, were designed to meet the venue’s noise tolerances without compromising the fixture’s output or performance. “Special thanks must go to Paul Fielder, who is responsible for getting it all ready for us in time for our opening,” says Dale.

Upstairs at Ronnie’s opened on 4th February 2026, with a performance from Vula Malinga and her band, with Nao as a special guest. Dale describes the night as going “spectacularly well,” with the rig delivering exactly the combination of warm colour, precise skin tones, and compact visual presence that the brief had called for. The space now runs a regular programme spanning two main shows each evening, late-night performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, a vocal jazz jam every Wednesday, and Sunday afternoon concerts.

The X5 Series rig has proven well-equipped to serve that kind of breadth. “From all sides, we get nothing but compliments about how the shows sound and look, from both on and off stage, and from musicians and customers who have been coming to the club for years,” says Dale. “The club knows that the most important aspect of the night is the live show, so they invested in the best equipment they can to reproduce and highlight the talent of the musicians on stage.”

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industry updates

Messe Frankfurt Acquires LiGHT Expo London

Messe Frankfurt has acquired LiGHT Expo London from [d]arc media to be run out of its London subsidiary, further strengthening its presence within the international lighting and building technology sector.

Launched in 2022, LiGHT has rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s leading events for the lighting specification community. Bringing together architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, specifiers and leading international lighting brands, the exhibition has become a valued platform for product discovery, learning, collaboration and networking.

The acquisition adds LiGHT to Messe Frankfurt’s globally recognised Light + Building portfolio and reinforces the organisation’s long-term commitment to supporting the lighting industry through world-class trade fairs and industry platforms. The portfolio includes established events in Frankfurt, Buenos Aires, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Las Vegas, Mumbai, New Delhi, Shanghai, and Tashkent.

Messe Frankfurt UK will build on the strong foundations created by [d]arc media, while preserving the event’s distinctive community-focused identity and commitment to the lighting specification market. [d]arc media will remain closely involved, continuing to support the event through promotional activity and the curation of its highly regarded content programme.

Messe Frankfurt UK CEO, Simon Albert said of the deal, “LiGHT has become one of the most important meeting places for the UK lighting and design community in a remarkably short space of time. We have long admired what the [d]arc media team has built and the passionate community that has grown around the event.

This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity to support LiGHT’s continued growth as part of Messe Frankfurt’s international lighting portfolio, while carefully preserving the qualities that have made it such a success. We are committed to investing in the event for the long term and ensuring it continues to deliver exceptional value for exhibitors, visitors and the wider lighting industry.”

Paul James, MD of [d]arc media echoed the sentiments, “When considering the future of LiGHT, it was important for us to find a partner that not only had the scale and expertise to support the event’s growth, but also genuinely understood the lighting industry and the community we have built around it.

Messe Frankfurt UK shares our commitment to the sector and brings significant experience in delivering high-quality international events. We are excited to support the next chapter of LiGHT’s journey and look forward to seeing the event continue to flourish.”

LiGHT is part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fair portfolio headed by the biennial Light + Building event in Frankfurt, Germany. The next edition will be held from 5 to 10 March 2028. Messe Frankfurt organises several trade fairs for the light and building technology sectors in Asia, Argentina, China, the UAE and the USA.

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industry updates

Ansell Lighting Launches New Floodlight for Padel Courts

Ansell has launched Exa-C – a floodlight designed specifically for padel courts.

Padel is widely recognised as the fastest-growing sport in the UK with the Lawn Tennis Association reporting participation levels reaching 860,000 players and the number of padel courts estimated at more than 1,500.

Responding to the growing demand Ansell has developed Exa-C – a lightweight, compact luminaire constructed from low-density aluminium alloy that enables fast and accurate installation.

To support optimal and professional-standard surface illumination, the floodlight features precision lenses to control beam distribution, with an integrated visor for effective glare control and reduced light spill in built up areas.

The luminaire is IP66 rated, ensuring complete protection against dust and water, making it an ideal solution for outdoor courts. A high quality AkzoNobel anti-corrosion powder coating has also been used to provide exceptional durability in harsh environments.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting said: “Padel has become hugely popular in the last few years, and so demand for specialised, high-quality lighting has never been higher. The Exa C provides better visibility for players and a professional-standard playing environment, along with reliable performance all year round.

“As a leading manufacturer, we want to ensure our customers have access to high performing products they can rely on and this is a great example of a product that meets a need as well as delivering durability and ease of installation.”