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Thorn Lighting Launches Xetaro: High-Performance Linear ATEX Luminaire for Hazardous Environments

Certified for ATEX Zone 2/22 Hazardous Areas

Thorn Lighting is proud to announce the launch of Xetaro, a high-performance linear
ATEX luminaire developed specifically for hazardous, combustible environments.
Designed to meet the demands for ATEX Zones 2/22, Xetaro ensures safety in
demanding industrial settings where safety, compliance, and reliability are
paramount. With an IP66 ingress rating and IK10 impact resistance, it is engineered
to perform in challenging conditions.

Key Features and Benefits

Xetaro delivers superb durability and performance with:
 ATEX Certified for Zones 2/22, ensuring safety in explosive environments
 IP66 Ingress Protection shields against dust, dirt, and moisture ingress
 IK10 Impact Resistance withstands impacts up to 20 joules
 Energy-Efficient with up to 157 lm/W and 11,000 lumens output
 Flexible Installation with quick-fit mounting clips and cable hooks as standard,
and optional through-wiring connectors
 Emergency Backup – configurable with a 3-hour lithium-ion battery for power
outages.
Constructed from high-grade polycarbonate with a translucent diffuser, Xetaro
ensures uniform light distribution for optimal performance. The CRI 80 colour
rendering and 4000 K colour temperature create a safe and effective work
environment in hazardous conditions.

Ideal Applications

Xetaro is the ideal lighting solution for industries such as automotive, energy, and
chemical manufacturing. It excels in fuel storage facilities, car paint shops, and
biomass-powered energy plants, where flammable vapours or gases are present.
Xetaro also meets the rigorous requirements of metal, wood, paper and textile
processing plants, providing reliable lighting in environments that demand the
highest safety standards.
It is equally well-suited for the food and beverage sector, including breweries, grain
mills and flour mills, ensuring compliance with safety regulations while providing
efficient, long-lasting illumination.

Designed for Performance, Built for the Future

“The launch of Xetaro reinforces Thorn Lighting’s commitment to providing
innovative solutions that enhance safety and productivity in hazardous

environments,” says Glenn Christie, Product Manager – Protected Luminaires,
Thorn Lighting. “With ATEX certification, energy efficiency, and proven durability,
Xetaro delivers real operational benefits while meeting the highest safety
standards.”

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industry updates

Dialight confirms attendance at Offshore Technology Conference in Houston

FARMINGDALE, N.J., Apr.14, 2025 Dialight (LSE: DIA), the global leader in hazardous and industrial LED lighting innovation, has confirmed attendance as an exhibitor at the Offshore Technical Conference (OTC) 2025, taking place May 5-8 at NRG Center in Houston, Texas. Visit booth #3301 to meet the team and experience Dialight’s newest rugged lighting solutions engineered for the extreme demands of the offshore energy sector.

With a 50+ year legacy of innovation, Dialight continues to push the boundaries of performance, safety, and durability in industrial lighting. This year, the company will unveil a brand-new linear luminaire, purpose-built for hazardous offshore environments – alongside a lineup of industry-proven products that deliver unmatched reliability in harsh conditions.

•     Area Light with Battery Backup and UMA Kit – Critical illumination during outages and emergency conditions
•     IECEx / ATEX rated GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester) LED Linear – Lightweight, corrosion-resistant performance
•     New Gen 3 Linear 2ft and 4 ft – Versatile and energy-efficient lighting with long-term reliability
•     ProSite Floodlight – Powerful outdoor lighting ideal for high-mount applications and wide-area visibility

Dialight’s knowledgeable team will be on-site to demonstrate products, offer technical guidance, and consult on project-specific solutions: Bryan White, Associate Sales Director; Chuck Meyer, EPC Director; Monica DeJohn, Strategic Accounts Executive; Phil Hausman, Regional Sales Manager; and Bubba Hart, Regional Sales Manager.

Held annually in Houston, the Offshore Technology Conference is the premier gathering for global energy professionals to exchange ideas, explore innovative technologies, and tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges. With over 30,000 attendees from more than 107 countries, OTC offers a powerful platform for networking, education, and collaboration.

“This conference is a significant part of our events calendar,” said Dialight CEO Steve Blair. “We enjoy having the opportunity to connect with professionals from around the world who need support with their specific lighting needs. Our range of hazardous and industrial LED lighting is designed for harsh conditions including offshore energy locations, so it’s a great chance for those working in the sector to find out what we can offer.”

Whether upgrading existing infrastructure or outfitting a new offshore project, attendees can explore how Dialight’s industrial-grade lighting systems reduce maintenance, lower energy consumption, and maximize uptime in demanding offshore operations.

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William Sugg & Co. Restores Prestigious Illuminations in London’s Covent Garden

Two of Covent Garden’s most illustrious landmarks have undergone meticulous restoration
to uphold their long-standing legacy and much-loved traditional features. Leading both
projects was international design practice, BDP which enlisted the help of experts in heritage
lighting, William Sugg & Co. to refurbish, restore and replicate a collection of historical
lighting throughout Covert Garden Market and at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Taking place
over several years, the restoration project will help to preserve the heritage of some of the
capital’s most cherished locations for centuries to come.

Covent Garden Piazza

The world renowned, Covent Garden Market is located in the heart of the West End, and
dates back to the early 17 th Century. Today it is home to a unique array of luxurious fashion
and beauty retailers, award-winning restaurants and theatres, visited annually by over 44
million people.

To ensure the iconic market retains its prestigious status and continues to stand the test of
the time, owners, real estate investment trust, Shaftesbury Capital, embarked on a
reinvention refurbishment to replace the external lighting scheme, to enhance the visitor
experience, prolong visits and encourage returning trips.
Experts in decorative heritage gas and electric exterior lighting for over 175 years, William
Sugg & Co. were entrusted by project lead, BDP to update the external heritage lighting
lining the market’s façade, incorporating new technology and more contemporary
techniques.

William Sugg & Co.’s team of skilled artisans restored a total of 52 copper lanterns
illuminating the walkways around the perimeter colonnade, and two of the large lanterns
denoting the entrance archways to the internal squares. Throughout the restoration process,
the recognized walkway lanterns were originally thought to be black, but once cleaned were
revealed to be made of gleaming copper.

After extensive cleaning, the two larger lanterns in the main archways were revealed to be
made partly of wood, an unexpected design detail, giving a variation of texture to the lantern.
The team of experts also replicated eight of the copper lanterns for replacements, as well as
hand casting a total of 9 new brackets from the existing ones in place.
The original lighting was also upgraded with retrofitted Braun Mock Mantles. The new LED
replicas of the traditional gas mantles will provide a more sustainable alternative, resulting in
more energy efficient, cost-effective lanterns with the need for less maintenance.
To bring the grade II* listed historic market hall into the 21 st Century, the general lighting was
adjusted by increasing the number of lanterns but reducing the power consumption and
source brightness of each individual fitting. The addition of modern optics with a warm colour
temperature was added to create a uniform palette of evenly distributed lighting throughout,
as well as preserving the market’s historical character and charm of a predominantly gas-lit
conservation area.

“The work our craftsman carried out for this project was a testament to the prestigious
historical landmark in itself. Over the course of 5 months, the team successfully restored,
replaced and replicated the iconic Covent Garden lanterns so they can continue to be
enjoyed by visitors. The addition of more lanterns and the advancement in technology used
has enabled us to achieve a wonderful result, enhancing the iconic features and presence of
this beloved landmark.” explains Lucy Bubb, Managing Director of William Sugg & Co.
The extensive refurbishment has also helped improve night-time safety and security, as well
as aligning with the client's goal to lower energy consumption and minimise waste by
successfully repurposing and restoring the original hanging lanterns.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Situated on the oldest theatre site in London still in use today and nestled in the capital’s

West End, the Theatre Royal is a Grade I listed building in Covent Garden. Originally
opening in 1812, the current theatre has one of the largest auditoriums in London's West
End and has played host to some of the city’s iconic musicals including, Miss Saigon, My
Fair Lady and Oliver!

At over 200 years old, the theatre required some extensive restoration, to restore it to its
original splendour and conserve its heritage, but re-imagined for the 21 st Century. Under the
ownership of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, LW Theatres embarked on a multimillion-pound
major refurbishment, including a complete overhaul of the internal and external lighting.
Project lead, Haworth Tompkins and lighting designers, BDP entrusted the intricate and
elaborate lighting refurbishment to William Sugg & Co. whose team of heritage specialists
took a meticulous approach to ensure the preservation of the authenticity of the fittings. The
team’s restoration journey begun by collaborating with historians to identify the most
appropriate methods, which led them to Heaton Hall, a Grade I listed 18th-century country
house in Manchester, where they conducted detailed 3D scans on-site to capture every
intricate detail of the original fixtures – similar to those found at the Theatre Royal. The
scans were then used to produce precise engineered drawings and casting patterns,
ensuring an exact reproduction of the historic designs.

The result was an exquisitely detailed replication of the original torches featured in the lobby
and staircase of the theatre, brought to life through traditional casting processes and resin
patterns, created with innovative 3D scanning technology. Using the appropriate identified
methods of bespoke design, heritage lighting techniques, handcrafting and 3D modelling,
the William Sugg & Co. team also accurately produced gas flambeaux technicalities for the
Victorian style torchieres located in the rotunda, balustrades, and ground floor, as well as the
refurbishment of the exterior lights located on two entrances and specialist manufacture of
bespoke fluted glass shades for the triple lamp light source design.

William Sugg & Co. provided a complete internal and external lighting technology upgrade,
to replace the pre-existing metal halide to LED. To complete the newly refurbished theatre in
all its glory, the team of expert craftsmen installed six new 3.2 metre gas flambeaus, taking
centre stage on the external champagne terrace and adjacent balconies.
Preserving the historical grandeur of theatre was a considerable task, to ensure that any
restoration or modernisation work must be carried out carefully and sensitively, which the
team sought to do so with the close involvement of architectural heritage specialists and
Historic England.

“This prestigious project was testament to our small team of crafts men and women who
delivered above and beyond the client’s expectation. In addition to the production of intricate
authentic fittings, the team also completed safe and efficient gas lighting engineering and
installation, whilst ensuring minimal disruption during the refurbishment process.” comments
Lucy Bubb, Managing Director of William Sugg & Co.

Through their expertise and meticulous research, the William Sugg & Co. heritage lighting
specialists assisted in bringing the landmark theatre back to its original splendour with
authentic lighting and the latest in lighting technology advancements, paying homage to its
rich heritage and timeless architecture.

“We chose William Sugg & Co. to expertly assist us on both projects due to the company’s
legacy in heritage lighting and expansive knowledge. Their team of skilled artisans worked to
exceptionally high standards for these very specific heritage lighting projects. The team not
only executed both briefs outstandingly, but went above and beyond to ensure every
element, research, and expert advice was taken into consideration. We look forward to
continuing our long-standing working partnership with them in the future.” concludes Jono
Redden, Senior Lighting Designer at BDP.

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industry updates

Dialight set to showcase lighting innovations at AISTech 2025

ialight (LSE: DIA), the global leader in hazardous and industrial LED lighting innovation, is announcing their attendance at next month’s AISTech 2025 in Nashville. Visit booth #1658 to experience Dialight’s industry-leading solutions engineered specifically for the demanding environments of the iron and steel industries.

Held between May 5-8 at the Nashville Music City Center, visitors to the Dialight booth will be able to find out more about the global leader in LED industrial lighting solutions. The Dialight team will be on hand to showcase product samples, address questions, and guide visitors in finding the ideal lighting solution to meet the requirements of each specific project.

The booth will be staffed by a knowledgeable team ready to assist with tailored lighting solutions: Ben Myer, Director of Strategic Accounts; Daryl Austin, Director of Sales; Ryan Antonikas, Regional Sales Manager; and Casey Virgin, Regional Sales Manager.

Dialight will be displaying and demonstrating a range of solutions that offer unrivalled quality and performance for iron and steel applications.

•     H7 High Output Highbay – delivering superior brightness and durability in high-ceiling steel mill environments
•     Vigilant DC Crane Highbay – designed to withstand the intense vibration and voltage fluctuations of overhead crane applications
•     Area Light – optimized for safety and reliability in general plant lighting
•     ProSite Floodlight and 60K High Mast – powerful illumination for expansive outdoor yards and high-mount installations

AISTech is the largest annual iron and steel conference and exhibition for the sector. Each year, over 7,000 industry professionals attend the event from more than 40 countries – exploring new solutions, accessing learning opportunities and networking with peers.

“At Dialight we value the opportunity AISTech offers us to engage with iron and steel professionals,” said Dialight CEO Steve Blair. “With an extensive range of LED lighting designed for challenging environments such as iron and steel sector applications, we’re confident visitors to AISTech will find the right solution from Dialight for their lighting requirements.”

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industry updates

Pharos to premiere latest developments at PLASA Focus

Pharos Architectural Controls has announced it will continue its busy lineup of industry events in the first half of 2025, including its return to Leeds for PLASA Focus in May.

Hosted at the Royal Armouries on 13 – 14 May, this exciting exhibition brings together the latest innovations and the brightest minds in live events, installation, and entertainment technology.

Located at stand N-D19, the team will meet with visitors and highlight key updates to their lighting control product ranges, Pharos Expert and Pharos Designer.

The team will be demonstrating what’s new in the Pharos Expert range, including support for the Pharos RIO G4 – a four-port gateway that adds convenient Ethernet-distributed DMX ports to an Expert system. At the show, Pharos will also showcase the latest improvements in their Expert 1.2 software, including RDM (Remote Device Management) fixture status monitoring and support for fixtures with extended parameters such as focus, zoom and gobo. Furthermore, the latest version of Expert software also supports two new capacity variants of Expert Control: Expert Control 4 and Expert Control 6. As well as experiencing hands-on demonstrations of the latest products, including the Expert Touch mobile app, visitors to the stand can expect to be among the first to learn more about new features in the Expert range.

In addition, the team is looking forward to showcasing the latest advancements in the Designer range, centred around scalable, highly configurable lighting controllers for any DMX, eDMX, and DALI lighting project. Programming with Designer 2 software provides you with a versatile, comprehensive feature set, powerful show control solutions and ultimate flexibility.

Ryan Sainsbury, Regional Sales Manager for the UK & Northern Europe at Pharos Architectural Controls said: “With 15 years of growth, PLASA Focus Leeds is an unmissable event for the UK’s entertainment technology industry. We are eager to network with over 2,000 like-minded individuals in the sector, meeting existing peers and potential new customers, showcasing the best of Pharos technology that can bring their lighting projects to life. We are particularly looking forward to sharing the much-anticipated updates to Expert and Designer that will continue to revolutionise the way that designers, specifiers and installers approach lighting projects.”

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TRILUX Illuminates Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz with Bespoke Outdoor Lighting

Smart, sustainable, and striking custom solutions enhance one of Berlin’s
most iconic locations TRILUX has delivered a standout lighting solution for the transformation of Potsdamer Platz—one of Berlin’s most well-known urban quarters. In collaboration with leading architects and planners, TRILUX developed custom luminaires and smart control systems that bring the new pedestrianised area to life while aligning with Berlin’s progressive urban lighting strategy.
This high-profile international project underscores TRILUX’s capability to deliver intelligent,
sustainable outdoor lighting and tailor-made design solutions for complex architectural
environments—expertise increasingly in demand across UK public realm and regeneration
projects.

Custom luminaires for a new pedestrian quarter

The redesign of Alte Potsdamer Strasse—now a pedestrian zone featuring outdoor dining and
cultural spaces—forms part of the city’s 4.3-hectare redevelopment of Potsdamer Platz. The
"Berlin Lighting Concept" guided the specification: minimise light pollution, enhance the user experience, and give the space a unique visual identity.
TRILUX's Manufactory team rose to the challenge, delivering two custom-designed luminaire
systems that have become centrepieces of the revitalised district.

‘The Chandelier’ – A dramatic lighting landmark
Suspended like a UFO above the central square of the arcades, the eight-metre ring
chandelier—dubbed The Chandelier—has become an architectural focal point and popular selfie
spot. Crafted from finely perforated metal, it appears weightless while delivering high-performance
illumination.

“The design had to be technically precise and visually striking,” says Karsten Müller, Managing
Director of TRILUX Vertrieb GmbH. “It’s more than a light source—it’s a sculptural landmark that
transforms the square into a destination.”

Triple-B luminaires – Smart lighting for streets and squares

Complementing the chandelier are Triple-B luminaires, developed exclusively for this project.
Combining MLT-IQ optics for uniform general lighting with targeted beam angles for zoning, the
Triple-B also features translucent canopies with coloured LEDs for visual impact.
In the pedestrianised Alte Potsdamer Strasse, Triple-B fittings are suspended above the zone via
overhead cabling. On neighbouring Eichhorn Strasse, they are pole-mounted in an irregular grid,
creating a more organic streetscape that integrates architecture, trees, and public space.

Connected lighting for smart, sustainable cities

The lighting system is managed wirelessly using Tvilight technology, connected to a cloud-based
lighting control system. In line with Berlin’s sustainability goals, light levels are automatically
adjusted throughout the evening—from 30 lux to 15 lux, and down to 5 lux at night.
Meanwhile, Tunable White LEDs shift colour temperature from 3,000K in the evening to a warmer
2,200K at night, enhancing visual comfort and reducing insect disturbance—supporting both
biodiversity and public wellbeing.

Setting the standard for international public realm lighting

“Potsdamer Platz demonstrates how custom lighting can be used to enhance placemaking,
improve urban ambience, and meet environmental goals,” says Müller. “The project showcases
TRILUX’s expertise not only in smart and sustainable lighting systems, but also in developing
design-driven solutions that add value to complex city spaces.”

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Light Forms Provides Functional Lighting with Flair for Manchester Brick Showroom

Manchester Brick Specialists are the leading UK brick suppliers, importers and distributors. Established in 2013, the company works closely with its brick manufacturing partners in the UK and Europe to create outstanding products. Manchester Brick opened a dedicated brick showroom in Ancoats, reflecting Manchester’s rich industrial heritage and modern architecture.

In order to meet their goal of establishing a showroom to display over 400 unique bricks in a flexible and functional way, Manchester Brick approached retail designers Ripple and high-performance lighting manufacturer Light Forms to create the design for this project.

The client wanted a modern, high-end showroom that represents Manchester’s industrial heritage renovations, as well as its modern innovation and contemporary designs. The showroom is housed in a striking red brick old mill building, providing the perfect setting to showcase their products. The space needed to be adaptable to meet the needs of product displays, private consultations, and functional spaces for architects to work.

Flexible track lighting was critical to meet the varied needs of the space, therefore the Light Forms team supplied the Nova62 Track Spot and Powergear Track with the addition of feature Moonring 1 Pendants. The track spot lighting features a classic design and a minimal look, providing various beam angles, colour temperatures and lighting options to allow for the right lighting for different areas.

MoonRing 1 brings a serene, halo-like glow to interior spaces, setting an ideal ambience as well as acting as a feature pendant for a focal point and unique piece. The sophisticated, modern fixtures contrast stunningly against the rough textures of the red brickwork, perfectly encapsulating the history and future of Manchester’s architectural innovation.

Daniel Wolfenden, Design & Marketing Director at Ripple, commented: “Manchester Brick showroom is a space that just works. It’s engaging on every level and a delight to be there. The lighting from Light Forms, as always delivers. The unsung hero here, not showing off, but doing the task in hand, to create a relaxed, inviting environment that promotes the products on display.”

Paul Shoosmith, Director at Light Forms, said, “It was incredible to work with the team at Ripple to highlight the flexible design of Manchester Brick’s showroom. We are proud to have provided a range of innovative luminaires to meet the unique requirements of the space. With the showroom up and running, visitors from Manchester and beyond can admire the products on display in the perfect aesthetic setting to see how they will make a difference to a space.”

Project credits:
Client – Manchester Brick Specialists
Retail Design – Ripple
Lighting Manufacturer – Light Forms

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industry updates

White Light Dances with Lights at Sadler’s Wells East

As part of London’s East Bank development, a new cultural quarter in East London alongside the BBC, UAL’s London College of Fashion, UCL East, and the V&A East Museum and Storehouse, Sadler’s Wells East recently opened its doors at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. This vibrant creative hub features a 550-seat theatre and six studios designed for the creation and development of dance productions.

Staying true to its promise of offering ‘dance from every angle’, the venue not only supports the production of new work and artist development but also offers a unique architectural design. The Dance Floor, a public performance space in the theatre’s expansive wrap-around foyer, provides a platform for community groups and guest artists, making it a welcoming space for all dance styles.
Over the past few years, White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, has worked closely with Sadler’s Wells’ technical team, including former Technical Manager Christian Wallace, to develop a detailed technical specification for the new venue. As the project progressed, WL continued collaborating with Plann’s Associate Jason Barnes, who oversaw the lighting aspects, and Tim Hardy, Sadler’s Wells East’s Technical Manager.

Reflecting on the project, Tim shared his insights into what makes the venue truly unique: “Sadler’s Wells East is a mid-scale venue, bridging the gap between our smaller studio space, Lilian Baylis Studio, and the larger Sadler’s Wells Theatre, which seats 1,500. The 550-seat venue features retractable seating, allowing us to create a 35m by 25m stage, a unique and flexible feature. Our opening in-house production, Our Mighty Groove, took full advantage of this capability. In the second half of the show, the retractable seating created a central space, immersing the audience in the performance.”

Whilst primarily a receiving venue, Sadler’s Wells East also provides space for emerging artists and companies to develop their work. Tim highlighted the versatility of Studio 1, which shares the same dimensions as the main stage, making it easier to transpose productions with minimal technical adjustments.

Committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Sadler’s Wells prioritised sustainability when selecting its lighting equipment. Tim explained: “We made a conscious decision to move away from tungsten lighting, opting exclusively for LED sources. We consulted with designers who we knew will be working with us in the venue’s first year, and they were fully on board with the transition. Our equipment selection focused on flexibility to cater to the diverse range of users. The venue’s main profiles feature ETC Series 3 fixtures, paired with a variety of lens attachments for greater versatility. These are positioned in the auditorium, where innovative niches; concealed doors in the walls, allow for rigging positions to be added without compromising the space’s architectural aesthetic. For additional flexibility, the venue uses ETC Desire Fresnels, which can operate in standalone mode; perfect for students or visiting artists seeking quick, straightforward lighting setups. The fixtures also offer the ability to mimic various light sources, including tungsten and HMI. The team opted for an ETC Apex 5 lighting desk, supported by two Paradigm processors—one managing the auditorium and the other overseeing the building. This separation ensures that front-of-house lighting areas remain distinct from the studios and performance spaces.”

Whilst the stage rig presented no major challenges, the lighting setup above the auditorium required careful consideration due to the two gantries. Bespoke rigging positions were installed upstage and downstage of each bridge, with the added ability to run bars around the perimeter through the niche system.
Tim also redesigned the downstage left and right perch positions, ensuring they were accessible from outside the auditorium walls. This thoughtful integration maintained the venue’s sleek architectural aesthetic whilst maximising flexibility with built-in handrails, rigging points, and power infrastructure.

Tim joined Sadler’s Wells East a year prior to its opening and immediately immersed himself in the project, including its technical design. He later welcomed Head of Lighting, Paul Milford, and together, they worked with WL’s Jonathan Haynes and Ally DeCourcy to finalise the lighting design. Tim praises the collaboration: “Our experience with WL was fantastic. The process was a continuous dialogue, particularly when designing our bespoke IWBS. Jonathan and Ally’s expertise, adaptability, and flexibility were invaluable; especially as both Paul and I joined halfway through the project. WL’s support allowed us to shape the final design effectively.”

This project highlights WL’s longstanding relationship with Sadler’s Wells, providing both rental and sales services over the years. Jonathan Haynes comments: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work on the Sadler’s Wells East project. It is a phenomenal space. Seeing it open and already thriving as a creative hub for East London is incredibly rewarding. We’ve greatly enjoyed working with Tim, Paul, and Oli Clark, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as their partner of choice. We were also proud to sponsor their fundraiser, Everybody Dance, which helped raise funds to support their local, national, and global work.”

Since its opening, Sadler’s Wells East has already staged a variety of performances, including Our Mighty Groove, Infinite, and Birdboy, to name but a few; highlighting the venue’s commitment to diverse and innovative dance productions, truly fulfilling its promise of ‘dance from every angle’.

Sadler’s Wells & Sadler’s Wells East Team:
Tim Hardy – Technical Manager
Paul Milford – Head of Lighting
Oli Clark – Technical Director

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industry updates

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Much of Bath's Georgian architecture and picturesque landscapes
have provided backdrops for several cinematic masterpieces and TV shows. This added to the importance of preserving heritage charm in Bath & North Somerset's latest LED lighting upgrade at the iconic Gravel Walk.

Gravel Walk is one of Bath's most famous walks (and can be spotted in the Netflix series Persuasion). Built in 1771, the wide gravel-covered walkway links the Royal Crescent and the Circus with Queen Square, which sits further down the hill. Known as a lover's lane in Jane Austen's era, the path was a route for sedan chairs heading to and from the town centre.

Bath & North East Somerset Council identified Gravel Walk as a location for
transitioning the existing SON and SOX lanterns to LED lighting as part of a wider
upgrade scheme.

To help the council maintain the heritage charm of this iconic location, Acrospire
suggested replacing the existing SON and SOX lamps with Its budget-friendly 3000K
Streetcare heritage lanterns.

The luminaires were specified with leaf embellishments to give a classic look fitting
to the city's Georgian architecture and scenic surroundings.

Crafted using locally sourced materials in the UK, Streetcare offers exceptional
quality and durability and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint.
Stephen Burrell, Principal Engineer Street Lighting at Bath & North East Somerset
Council commented, "Streetcare helped us transition to LED in the most affordable
way. The luminaires ticked many of our boxes, providing efficient performance,
styling that befitted the area, and responsibly sourced materials. They look as if they
have always been there."

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industry updates

DW Windsor Delivers DarkSky Approved Lighting for St Paul’s Cathedral Gardens

St Paul’s Cathedral Gardens in London have been revitalised with a carefully considered lighting scheme featuring DarkSky Approved solutions that enhance safety and promote environmental sustainability while maintaining the site’s historic charm.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, St Paul’s Cathedral has been a central part of London’s cultural and historical heritage for centuries. Adjacent to the Cathedral, the Cathedral Gardens, which were created in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, now serve as a hub for socialisation and relaxation. However, the outdated lighting in the gardens offered inadequate coverage and clashed with the historic architecture, detracting from the area’s overall appeal.

To address this, DW Windsor collaborated with the City of London to deliver an innovative lighting solution that complemented the Cathedral’s historic surroundings with modern energy-efficient lighting technology. DW Windsor supplied 20 Pharola DS bollards featuring 2700K LED modules that provide warm, inviting illumination. With a slim, compact design and black finish, the new bollards blend seamlessly into the landscape. Additionally, nearby columns were fitted with Milano lanterns, ensuring a cohesive and elegant aesthetic throughout the space.

One of the key benefits of the new lighting scheme is that the upgraded bollards are DarkSky Approved, aligning with the City of London’s Lighting Strategy developed by Speirs Major. This strategy, published in 2018, provides a statutory set of guidance on best-practice lighting design for illuminating building exteriors and the public realm.

The new installation also addresses key environmental concerns. Whereas the old bollards consumed 32W each, the new bollards only use 20W, resulting in a 37.5% reduction in energy usage. The improved luminaire design also eliminates upward light, reducing light pollution. This improves the quality of the public realm and ensures an intelligent, sensitive approach to public lighting that prioritises safety and accessibility while protecting the historic character of the City.

The 2700K colour temperature was carefully chosen to complement the existing lighting of St Paul’s Cathedral and its visitor centre while eliminating light spill and preventing unwanted glare for visitors, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The new scheme delivers sufficient luminance for wayfinding and guidance around the gardens after nightfall, ensuring safety and security while conforming to DarkSky regulations and minimising the impact of lighting on local wildlife.

Andy Rogers, M&E Manager at City of London, remarked: “The lighting upgrade to St Paul’s Cathedral Gardens achieves a perfect balance between aesthetics, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. The DarkSky Approved solutions from DW Windsor have enhanced safety and accessibility in the gardens while respecting the historical significance of the space and helping to protect the night sky.”

Clients and partners

Client – City of London Corporation