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.
DAB radio has become a popular choice for home listening, but it’s no longer the only option available. With the rise of streaming and connected devices, many people are now also considering an Internet radio player when choosing a new setup for their home.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between DAB and internet radio, explain how DAB+ fits in, and look at which type of system is best suited to different homes.
Electronic keyboards are one of the most popular ways to start learning an instrument. They are affordable, practical and suitable for a wide range of ages, from young beginners to adults returning to music after years away.
In this guide, we will explain the differences between a standard electronic keyboard and a digital piano, how many keys you really need, and what to look for, helping you find a keyboard that suits your home, budget and musical goals.
A DJ booth is more than just a table to put your decks on. It’s the centre of your setup, the first thing guests see, and the space you’ll be working from all night. Choosing the right one can make your performance smoother and your presentation far more professional.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key features to consider and look at different styles to help you find the right fit for your gigs.
DJ gear can feel overwhelming when you’re first starting out, especially with so many options aimed at different skill levels, spaces and styles of DJing. From home practice setups to systems built for parties and events, knowing where to begin makes a big difference.
This guide breaks the process down step by step, making it easier to build a setup that works for you. Whether you’re looking at beginner DJ equipment for home use or planning a system for small gigs, the focus is on practical choices rather than technical overload.
The right home speaker system can completely change how you enjoy music, TV, films, and everyday listening at home. Whether you live in a small flat or a busy family house, choosing the right speakers makes a real difference to how sound fills your space and fits into your routine.
This guide breaks down the main types of speakers available for home use and explains what each is good for. You’ll find clear advice on which styles suit living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces, along with examples to help you decide what might work best for you.
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.
5
