Two floors of the former Lewis’s department store in Liverpool are being reopened to the public after 10 years, as part of the Liverpool Biennial contemporary art festival. Although part of the building has been converted into a hotel and offices, the rest has remained closed since the store shut its doors in May 2010 after 154 years of trading.
Category Archives: news
City & Guilds Assured Programme in The Application of BS7909 to Temporary Power Systems
dBS Solutions are pleased to be working with James Eade to bring his fantastic City & Guilds in BS7909 Temporary power systems to the North West. This three-day qualification covers:
Arts Council Culture Recovery Fund Success
dBS Solutions to receive support from second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund Continue reading
Rigging for Live Events zoom sessions
dBS have been busy training our staff and also arranging some fantastic online sessions on rigging for live events with NRC rigging supervisor Alan McGregor. We were super lucky to secure Alan’s time to create these resources. The sessions took place on zoom but if you missed them you can find them below.
Digital Networking for audio and entertainment sessions.
We are so pleased to be able to offer this session on the 25th of Jan as an introduction to digital networking for audio and lighting. This session will cover practical problem solving as well as hints and tips on designing networks for entertainment use. The session is free to attend either in person or on zoom. Places are limited but are open to anyone from venues, freelance engineers, or college students. Please email to reserve your place to Staff@dbs-solutions.co.uk with “Networks” as the subject.
Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animals!
Wishing all of our friends, clients, staff, and suppliers a very merry Christmas. And now with the end of 2020 on the horizon, dBS Solutions have begun to think about summer again. We hope that like us you are itching for the warmer weather where we can walk in the park or on the beach with friends again. We are also looking forward to the day when we can hold outdoor events safely and when you can come and enjoy them. If you are thinking about planning an event we would love to hear from you. Let’s work together.
Improving our Wellbeing
Our industry has been particularly hard-hit by Covid-19 and every single one of us has had a challenging 2020 as a result. All of us have lost something: people we love, the teams we’re part of, some or all of our income, a routine and structure to our days being just some examples. We’ve all survived through the last 9 months, although what’s also true is that many of us have suffered these challenges in silence. Maybe we think that others are worse off so we shouldn’t complain. Maybe it’s because we don’t think we can change any of it so why bother talking about it. Or maybe we worry that others will think we’re weak if we admit we’re struggling. All of these responses are understandable. They’re also unhelpful.
dBS Solutions supplies upgrade for Runshaw College
dBS Solutions were pleased to be selected as supplier to Runshaw College installing their new lighting system for the Amanda Roocroft Theatre.
Matt Moss, Performing Arts Technician at Runshaw College, contacted dBS Solutions about upgrading their theatre, as they had been investing in energy-efficient fixtures with LED replacements across the site and wanted to upgrade the theatre to provide a low energy and low heat solution.
Live life cleaner by making earth greener
Amongst all this chaos and uncertainty with Covid, it’s easy to get consumed by current events. Its important however, not to forget other serious issues that still remain, such as the affect CO2 emissions are having on our environment. With more time on our hands recently, we’ve been looking at what we can do to help.
dBS Solutions receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund
From all the Team at dBS Solutions, we are thrilled and humbled to be one of the chosen organisations to receive a valuable part of the Culture Recovery Fund. We would like to take this opportunity to thank The Department for Digital, Media & Sport, HM Treasury and The Arts Council for this unbelievable opportunity.
#TheSurvivalTour Bike Ride
Music stalwarts visit Warrington venues close to our hearts, to raise awareness of the plight of the events and entertainment industry due to the coronavirus crisis. They are currently on a journey across the UK – dubbed ‘The Survival Tour’.
dBS Solutions Jump into new lighting install
Over the last month our install team have been busy working on a project to redesign the effects lighting & sound system at one of the UK’s leading trampoline parks. Back in the summer of 2019 Jump Xtreme contacted us for a chat about their existing lighting system. The park had been open around four years and the existing system was in need of a service.
We met on site over in Bolton to see how we could help.
Peter Pan at Chester’s Storyhouse Theatre
Retelling the classic fantasy adventure story of Peter Pan by JM Barrie, The Storyhouse at Chester successfully updated the original play, that has been deliberately skewed towards a 21st century family audience.
Skyfall with The Halle and dBS Solutions
dBS Solutions provided a full audio package for the show at The Bridgewater Hall Manchester including the micing of the 65 strong Orchestra. We provided a stereo line array system to cover this challenging acoustic space along with in-ear monitoring for some of the orchestra and conductor. Continue reading
Did you know that we also conduct inspections on lifting equipment?
If during the next few weeks if your venue is closed why not take advantage of having some downtime by completing your Through Examinations of any lifting equipment? Did you know that under LOLER much of your lifting accessories such as shackles, strops, steel wire ropes all should be inspected thoroughly every six months? Even safety bonds on lanterns fall under this regulation. This task can often be difficult to undertake and document during busy times. Arranging external contactors to do this when you have performances can be a hassle but now is a great time to take advantage of your venues dark period and get your rigging inspected and in good shape for when you reopen.
Blenheim Palace
dBS Solutions were so pleased to be involved in the Blenheim Palace’s Festive winter wonderland as part of the illuminated Light Trail. After a freezing week and many frosty mornings, the team finally installed 75 Martin Audio outdoor speakers for Culture Creative, needed for this spectacular feast for your eyes!
British Musical Fireworks Championships in Southport 2019
Over three nights at the end of September The British Musical Fireworks were held in Victoria Park, Southport. The fireworks set to music lit up the skies with an audience there to watch the seven displays and the winner announced on the final night.
Glastonferry Music Festival 2019
Glastonferry is a one day ticketed music festival held in Warrington at The Ferry Tavern Pub in Penketh. In it’s unique postion situated on the Trans Pennine Trail and between the River Mersey and the Sankey to St Helens canal, the event took place on Saturday the 7th September and the weather held out beautifully for this late summer’s evening.
Warrington Music Festival 2019
This year saw Warrington Music Festival 2019 headliners Black Grape and the Farm, as well as 22 local bands who played in Warrington’s Old Market place last weekend. The Saturday was a ticketed event to allow for numbers, however the Sunday was simply a case of turning up. Even though the weather was not quite as scorching as last year, people still turned out to experience one of Warrington’s great music events. Continue reading
Morecambe Carnival 2019
The Morecombe Carnival has grown in to a full festival weekend with lots of artisits featuring on the main stage, such as headliner Toyah, four times Brit Award nominated English musician, singer, songwriter, actress, producer and author. Also The Christians, renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits… Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, What’s in a Word, Hooverville, Words, Father, The Bottle and many more.
The British Country Music Festival
Produced by Fit the Bill and The Blackpool Entertainment Company, The Country Music Festival ran over a three day period at the beautiful venue, the Blackpool Winter Gardens.
Summer In Southside 2019
Summer in Southside 2019 produced by The Birmingham Hippodrome, went all Intergalactic this year with their free family festival which gave people the opportunity to explore the spectacle and wonders of outer space.
Rufus Wainwright at The Bridgewater Hall
dBS Solutions have had the pleasure of providing lighting and designer for Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and composer Rufus Wainwright who will play 4 highly anticipated UK dates in April 2019 to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of his eponymous debut which first burst him onto the music scene. Continue reading
McAthurglen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Christmas Light switch on 2018
November is a busy time for dBS Solutions. with all the firework displays, but also the Christmas light switch ons which we do around the region. This year was a first for us, having been approached by McAthurglen Designer Outlets to Support the Christmas lights switch on for Cheshire Oaks outlet.
Bury’s The Rocks Christmas Light Switch On 2018
This year’s Christmas light switch on in Bury, produced by the Rock and Tower FM had an all-star line up for the event which took place last week. dBS Solutions had the pleasure of providing sound, lighting, staging and power for Bury’s official countdown to Christmas.
The Mercury Theatre Colchester’s Jack and the Beanstalk
dBS Solutions are looking forward to providing sound this year for The Mercury Theatre Colchester’s Pantomime. Jack and the Beanstalk promises to deliver all the fun and frolicks that pantos do and tickets have been selling fast.
Zipworld FFear FForest
dBS Solutions were approached by our friends at Worldspan to provide the audio for The Zipworld spooky FFear FForest in the stunning woodland setting nestled in the North Wales Conwy Valley. With adventures to keep everybody totally horrified, from the Fforest ghoaster, the UK’s only alpine coaster of its kind with scary surprises at every corner, creepy fun on the Zombie Nets or Plummet 2 Hell which drops you 100ft through a trapdoor.
ITV’s The Voice, Filming At The Parr Hall
Last Thursday saw the Warrington venue The Parr Hall busy with filming for the upcoming ITV talent show The Voice. The judges, Olly Murs, Will.i.am, Tom Jones and Jennifer Hudson were filming a promo video for the upcoming series.
Pirates On The Dock
Pirates on the Dock were back again this September for an explosive weekend. dBS Solutions were happy to be involved in another year of swashbuckling activities. The event saw the return of the famous two mask brig Phoenix which made it’s appearance on BBC hit shows Poldark and Doctor Who.
Folk On The Dock
One of Liverpool’s most loved Festivals returned to Albert Dock for August bank holiday in its 3rd year of this very popular free festival.
Kevin and Karen Tour 2018
dBS Solutions once again have had the pleasure of providing lighting equipment and design for the Kevin and Karen dance show 2018 which finished touring last month.
Summer In Southside 2018
dBS Solutions took part in supporting Birmingham Hippodrome’s Summer in Southside 2018. The weekend saw the streets surrounding the theatre being transformed into a summer playground of fun which was free for kids of all ages.
New Stock Update
Wow, what a busy few months the summer has turned out to be. With the British weather almost cracking the flags, dBS Solutions have been working flat out in the sunshine on music festivals, arts events, tours and dry hire rentals. We’ve been so busy that we almost forgot to tell you about the great new equipment we’ve been adding into our rental stock for your next events.
Chester Zoo, Wild Worlds Festival
dBS Solutions are pleased to be working together with Chester Zoo on their first ever large-scale gardens and science festival throughout the summer: Wild Worlds.
The Visitor’s Book at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre
dBS Solutions were pleased to support Sarah Nelson & James Atherton’s production of ‘The Visitor’s Book’ at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre earlier this month. The new musical is an uplifting exploration on the impact of loss, abandonment and ultimately the importance of family and forgiveness.
Warrington Music Festival 2018
Warrington Music Festival 2018 organised by Score Creative Education in partnership with The Golden Square kicked off a celebration of music featuring headliner the Fun Lovin Criminals’ on the 5th May, it was believed to be the biggest, ticket-less music festival in the North West.
After some time away, dBS Solutions were delighted to return to supply full production to the festival which also hosted dozens of emerging bands from Warrington in the Old Market Place.
Commonwealth Games Handover Rehearsals
dBS Solutions had the privilege of providing PA equipment and mics for the rehearsal for the handover of the Commonwealth Games from Australia’s Gold Coast to Birmingham.
Les Mills BODYATTACK at David Lloyd Warrington
dBS Solutions were invited to provide Stageing and Sound for the biggest party of the year run by Les Mills UK and David Lloyd to celebrate 25 years and 100 releases of Les Mills BODYATTACK.
Feast of Fire
To celebrate the close of winter and the beginning of spring, dBS Solutions were involved in ‘firing up’ the festivities this Easter 2018 by supporting Walk the Plank’s Feast of Fire.
Chinese New Year Celebrations 2018
The annual festivities for Chinese New Year celebrations in Birmingham this February welcomed the year of the Dog and included a street party in the city’s Chinese Quarter. dBS provided full production for The Chinese Festival and were pleased to again be working with our friends at The Birmingham Hippadrome on this great community event.
Audio rental specialist dBS Solutions supply Damien Dempsey
We are pleased to this week be providing audio for Ireland’s Damien Dempsey as he visits
Warrington’s Parr Hall and thrilled to be working again with international concert promotors SJM.
Damien shot to fame in 1997 when his first single Dublin Town caught the attention of Sinead
O’Connor, who he later collaborated and toured with. Dempsey’s original folk flavour has seen
him win many awards such as Best Folk/Traditional Act and Best Irish Country/Roots Artist.
Turning Of The Screw
dBS Solutions are pleased to be supplying audio equipment to the Mercury Theatre Colchester’s production of Turning of the Screw. The UK tour of Henry James’s thrilling ghost story, is a co production with both Dermot McLaughlin and The Grand Theatre Wolverhampton.
Sound, Lighting and AV Freelance Engineers Wanted
We are currently looking for experienced sound, lighting and AV freelance Engineers with an exceptional all round knowledge in their field, plus client management skills to expand our freelancers portfolio.
Applicants will need to be registered as self employed and carry their own public liability insurance.
If you are interested, please send your CV to staff@dbs-solutions.co.uk
Walking in the air
Getting truly into the Christmas spirit, dBS Solutions have been working on The Snowman Tour 2017, where The Snowman film is brought to life on the big screen with live orchestral accompaniment playing the original soundtrack.
The Last Ship sails
dBS Solutions had the honour and privileged opportunity to supply and operate sound at the Victoria Warehouse in Stretford for Sting’s launch of the UK premiere tour of his new musical The Last Ship, his ode to his shipyard hometown. Stings semi-autobiographical musical will head to Salford’s Lowry Theatre in July and the musical which is set in Wallsend in Northumberland, where Sting grew up, tells the story of a community amid the demise of the shipbuilding industry.
Rhiannon Giddens
dBS Solutions recently supplied audio to the Manchester show on Rhiannon Giddens UK tour. The North Carolina born singer song writer, began on her tour to celebrate the launch of her new Album ‘Freedom Highway’ a solo album with much of her own original material.
Joanne Shaw Taylor
dBS Solutions were pleased to be providing audio for Joanne Shaw Taylor’s Manchester show as part of her Uk tour last week in the beautiful Bridgewater Hall.
Joanne is a british blues rock guitarist and singer from Wednesday in the black country and described as Continue reading
Competition time again
To celebrate the launch of our new logo and rebrand, we thought it would be great to give away some stuff! To be in with a chance of winning a pair of Tascam TH-02 headphones, an all-new studio condenser microphone and some dBS Solutions swag, follow us on Facebook, and like this post or why not tell us what you think of our new look by commenting?
A Swashbuckling Adventure
Albert docks Liverpool
We’ve just got back from a fantastic weekend at the Liverpool Albert docks once again supplying all the audio for the Pirates festival. Myself and the team here at dBS Solutions were thrilled to be asked again following the success of previous events.
dBS Find the Holy Grail.
dBS Solutions are pleased to have supplied additional audio equipment for the Mercury Theatre’s production of Spamalot. This laugh out loud production, sound designed by our director Christopher Bogg, opened to critical acclaim in Colchester before heading to Korea to form part of this years Daegu International Music Festival.
