Avolites celebrates 50 years

Avolites, the British lighting and media control pioneer, this week marks its landmark 50th anniversary with the launch of an exclusive Golden Console Competition and the release of the Avo50 Ambassador programme.

To celebrate five decades of empowering creativity that has helped style the look and feel of live entertainment lighting and visuals worldwide, Avolites kicks off a series of initiatives that will run throughout the year, including the opportunity to win a one-of-a-kind 24-carat gold plated Avolites console.

Founded in 1976, Avolites was built on a simple but powerful idea: that creative people deserve tools that are fast, flexible, and built for the realities of live performance.

Today, Avolites is among the most trusted names in professional lighting and media control, and its products are used in all performance scenarios, from the most intimate and innovative experimental theatre productions to the world’s biggest tours, festivals, and broadcast events.

At every stage of its journey, Avolites has focused on one thing: serving the people behind the control desk…

This commitment to lighting and visual designers, programmers, and operators who turn technology into moments and experiences that move audiences, has driven decades of invention. From groundbreaking control workflows to the integration of lighting and video, Avolites helps creatives tell richer and more ambitious visual stories.

“50 years is an extraordinary milestone, and what truly matters is the community behind it,” stated Avolites CEO Nikki Scott.

“Avolites exists because of the designers, programmers, technicians, and partners who have trusted us with their creativity for half a century. This anniversary is a celebration of them: of their talent, passion, visions, imagination, and all the incredible shows they bring to life every day.”

A year of celebration begins

The 50th anniversary officially launched on 2nd February with a series of global initiatives designed to celebrate both Avolites’ past and its future.

At ISE in Barcelona (3rd – 6th February), Avolites will unveil the Golden Console Competition, a high-profile campaign created to energise and connect the global Avolites community throughout the year.

Alongside this, Avolites is introducing its Avo50 Ambassadors: fifty influential designers, programmers, and operators who will be revealed over the next ten months. Their stories, experiences, and achievements will be shared through interviews, video content, and social media, putting the spotlight on the people who are truly defining the Avolites brand.

These initiatives will be joined by a wide range of anniversary activity, including a time capsule project, archive features, and special content reflecting the people, products, and moments that have shaped Avolites over five decades.

Built on people, driven by innovation

So much has changed in the industry over 50 years, but as Avolites looks ahead to its next chapter, the mission remains clear: to collaborate with creative professionals and provide them with the tools they need to push boundaries, tell stories, and create memorable experiences.

“This anniversary isn’t about looking back with nostalgia,” added Nikki, “It’s about recognising what we’ve built together and using that momentum to shape the future. We’re incredibly proud of where Avolites has come from and even more excited about the years ahead.”