Lights & Effects

In early September we went to Olympia London to browse the PLASA Show, the UK’s leading event for live entertainment technology. It was a great opportunity to meet suppliers and customers, see new products that are coming onto the market and also watch existing products in action. We had a great time and there were so many interesting and fun moments, but we’ve boiled it down to our top 5 moments from PLASA 2024.

When it comes to throwing an unforgettable home party, there’s one element that can truly make or break the vibe: party lighting. In recent years, home parties have become more popular, and people are placing more emphasis on creating an atmosphere that mirrors the excitement of a club or event. From small gatherings to themed bashes like a DIY neon party, the right lighting is the key to success. So if you’re looking to step up your lighting game on a budget, this guide will share DIY party lighting ideas that won’t break the bank but will deliver big on impact.

Setting the right atmosphere is key to making Halloween unforgettable. Whether you're aiming to attract trick-or-treaters or hosting a hauntingly good party, the right decorations can make all the difference. From creating a spine-chilling entrance to crafting an eerie interior, each element contributes to the overall experience. This guide will explore a variety of Halloween decoration ideas, focusing on both outdoor setups to lure in trick-or-treaters and indoor designs perfect for setting the mood at your Halloween bash.

Halloween is all about atmosphere. The perfect mix of spooky, eerie, and just a dash of fun turns an ordinary night into something unforgettable. Whether you're hosting a party, setting up a haunted house for trick-or-treaters, or simply sprucing up your home for the season, getting the right atmosphere is key. A Halloween fog machine, like the BeamZ S553L, can turn any space into a scene straight out of a horror film. The thick, swirling fog it produces instantly sets the mood, cloaking everything in an eerie mist. The BeamZ S553L’s built-in RGB LED lights take it to the next level, casting a ghostly glow that makes the fog seem alive. It’s not just fog; it’s the stuff of nightmares, in the best possible way.

On a recent YouTube video of the BeamZ B300 bubble machine by our resident bubble-boffin and product expert James, a comment was left by a viewer with a question. User-rd3lj4gn4s (catchy username by the way!) asked ‘when will the comparison be made with the B1000?

Well, as you can guess, there are differences as well as similarities, but it’s clear to see that there are a variety of uses suited to each type of bubble machine. Let’s take a look at the BeamZ B300, B300LED, B1000, B1500 and B2500, discussing the uses and features of each, as well as any pros and cons to help you choose one over the other.

If you are currently planning a party or gathering, our house party lighting ideas guarantee to create the perfect atmosphere. Whether you are hosting a small get-together or a large celebration, the right lighting can make all the difference.

In this guide, we will explore a mix of lighting options to transform your home into the ultimate party hotspot. From dazzling LED disco balls and atmospheric UV lights to flashy strobe lights and effect machines, we have all the home DJ lighting ideas you will need.

Ah, the mirror ball! That sparkling, twirling icon of nightlife. Whether you're picturing a bustling 70s disco or a modern-day dance floor, the mirror ball (or disco ball, as it's affectionately known) has been lighting up parties and capturing imaginations for over a century. But there's more to this glittering sphere than meets the eye. In this blog, we'll delve into the rich history of mirror balls, explore their many uses, and highlight the features that make them a must-have for any event.

In this blog post, we take a look at the impressive lighting rig of Oli Brown & The Dead Collective, showcasing how they elevate their live performances with our cutting-edge BeamZ lights. Oli Brown, a celebrated British rock musician, has taken his shows to the next level by personally curating a portable, powerful lighting setup. This setup includes four BeamZ LCB288 lights and eight BeamZ SlimPar35s, meticulously positioned to create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. Dive in to learn more about Oli's journey and see our lights in action!

Exploring the differences between smoke, fog, and haze machines, these commonly used visual effect machines are found in a variety of settings, but they have very specific uses. From smoke and fog machines producing a dense fog that enhances dramatic scenes in performances to haze machines that emit a finer mist that subtly enhances lighting without overwhelming a space, all is covered.

We take a look at how each type of machine works, their ideal uses in different venues such as concerts, theatres, and clubs, and the practical considerations like cost, maintenance, and operational characteristics required to ensure a visually stunning outcome.

LED light bars, particularly the BeamZ models like LCB144, LCB183, and LCB144 MKII, have become indispensable in modern lighting design due to their versatility and efficiency. These light bars are used in a variety of settings, from theatrical stages to wedding venues, providing both vibrant and subtle lighting effects that enhance the visual appeal of any event.

Advantages of LED light bars include energy efficiency, durability, and the ability to produce a spectrum of colours. These features, along with ease of installation and affordability, make LED light bars a preferred choice for both professional applications and personal use.