Articles by Angela Newton
I qualified as a classroom teacher in 2010, and it was working for several years in a school environment that caused my interest in lighting and PA equipment to develop massively. Also being married to industry legend Brett Newton since 2015, I could not help but develop an interest in sound and lighting, as he enjoys nothing more than talking about the latest developments!
In the school environment, I saw how lighting and audio could be used to engage students, enhance their learning experience, and provide much fun. From suitable speakers to play audio and video clips, to light-up buzzers for quizzes, to stage effects for productions, to party lighting and effects for school discos. I became aware of how sound and lighting equipment is all around us, and how using the right equipment can make a big difference.
Over the years I have also been involved in helping to organise sound and lighting equipment for live music events, which has been a great learning experience. There is nothing like seeing an audience enjoy an event, and seeing firsthand what impact high-quality sound and lighting equipment can have.
Since having my own children I have additionally organised numerous children's parties, using sound and lighting to create a fun-filled party atmosphere. This has been a great way to experiment with a selection of party lighting, and effects machines, such as smoke, bubble and snow machines. Halloween events are particularly enjoyable, with smoke and strobe machines creating a spooky atmosphere that the children love.
My passion and expertise have continued to grow as the years have gone by. I love carrying out research to learn how each product works and to find out what features are included. The sound and lighting industry is a fascinating area that is continuing to develop as technology improves, and I enjoy discovering all the latest products.
My main interests are active speakers, record players, party lighting, and effects machines, such as smoke and snow machines. As a parent to two young children, I am also very interested in musical instruments for learners, as this is a brilliant way to develop creative skills.
Christmas lighting for parties is one of the simplest ways to set the right mood for a festive get-together, whether you’re hosting a cosy gathering at home or planning something a little livelier. The mix of colour, movement and sparkle creates a warm seasonal atmosphere that feels inviting the moment people walk through the door.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at a range of festive favourites, from colourful jelly balls and classic mirror balls to multi-effect party bars, outdoor uplighters, smoke machines and even snow machines for that winter wonderland moment. Each product brings its own twist to Christmas effects for parties, giving you loads of inspiration for your setup.
Christmas 2025 is just around the corner, and with it comes the familiar challenge of choosing thoughtful presents for everyone in the family. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel stuck when trying to find something meaningful that suits different ages, interests, and personalities.
Whether you’re buying for a budding musician, a tech-loving teen, a creative content maker, or someone who simply enjoys good sound, this guide will help you find something they’ll genuinely appreciate.
Spooky lighting is the quickest way to turn any ordinary home into a haunted masterpiece. Whether you’ve just realised the trick-or-treaters are on their way or you’ve left your Halloween prep to the last minute, there’s no need to panic. With a few clever lighting tricks and some simple Halloween house decorations, you can transform your home into something ghoulishly good in under an hour.
Whether you’re aiming to impress the neighbourhood, give your guests a fright, or just make sure your house looks the part for passing trick-or-treaters, we’ve got you covered. These quick and effective Halloween decorations will bring your setup to life with minimal effort. Grab your lights, plug them in, and get ready, the countdown to spooky starts now!
A low fog machine can turn an ordinary Halloween display into something truly haunting. Whether you’re planning a creepy graveyard scene, a haunted house attraction, or a spooky garden walkway for trick-or-treaters, the right fog effect can make all the difference. Thick, low-lying mist that hugs the floor adds an eerie sense of mystery and helps bring your Halloween vision to life.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best low fog machines available, helping you choose the one that fits your space, your budget, and your spooky ambitions. From compact models ideal for porches to high-output water low fog machines built for larger events, each has its own strengths. By the end, you’ll know exactly which fog machine can give your haunted house or graveyard setup that perfect, ghostly touch.
A Halloween projector is an easy way to turn your home into something truly spooky this October. Whether you’re planning a full-blown Halloween party, hosting friends for a night of scary films, or just want to surprise the local trick-or-treaters, the right lighting can make all the difference. With just one small device, you can fill your walls, windows, or garden with ghosts, glowing pumpkins, and skeletons — no tangled webs or messy paint required.
If you’re ready to give your home that ghostly glow, let’s explore how Halloween projector kits can help you create the perfect spooky scene.
Spooky lights are one of the simplest and most effective ways to bring Halloween to life. Whether you’re planning a house party, a small family gathering, or just want to make the front of your home look terrifying for trick-or-treaters, the right lighting can set the mood instantly.
This guide will walk you through the best options for haunted house lighting effects. We’ll look at products designed for fun, fright, and everything in between, whether you want glowing pumpkins, a chilling fog, or a full Halloween light package ready to go. With the right setup, you’ll have everything you need to make this year’s Halloween memorable for all the right reasons.
A beginner keyboard is one of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to start learning music. Whether for children taking their very first steps or adults who have always wanted to try, these instruments make the journey into playing piano both simple and rewarding.
This guide will walk you through the best options available, covering children’s models, adult-friendly choices, full-size pianos, and handy packages with everything included. Along the way, we’ll also look at useful accessories to make learning more comfortable and fun.
Professional DJ lights are just as important as the sound system when it comes to creating the right atmosphere for your event. Whether you’re performing at a wedding, club night, or private party, the right lighting setup can transform the space and help you stand out behind the decks.
This blog will walk you through what you really need when it comes to professional DJ lights. We’ll cover all the essentials, from simple DJ lights with stand packages to more advanced setups using haze machines and DMX controllers. We’ll also consider which lighting effects work best for different venues and events.
A DAB radio is a great way to enjoy your favourite stations with clear sound and a wider choice than traditional FM. Whether you’re into talk shows, classical music, or the latest chart hits, there’s something for everyone.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll explain what DAB is and how it differs from both FM and internet radio. We’ll also look at the differences between DAB and DAB+, and why it’s worth checking which version a radio supports.
PA speakers are a must-have for anyone looking to project sound clearly and confidently in front of a crowd. Whether you're a DJ spinning at weddings, a band performing live, a church leader addressing a congregation, or a fitness instructor shouting over beats, the right PA setup makes a big difference.
We have put this guide together to help you find the right fit for your needs without the jargon. We’ll break down the different types of PA speakers, explain what makes each one useful, and give real examples of products that suit different settings and performers.
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