Last Saturday, the X Factor returned to our screens, bringing with it some familiar judging faces, including the triumphant return of the fiery Sharon Osbourne, and a whole host of new contestants and re-formatting. Show producers reverted back to the original format of initial auditions being held in front of judges only, rather than the large arena; a move which seems to have gone down well with critics, as nerves are minimised and personalities given more opportunity to shine.

Only one weekend in, and we have already seen plenty of drama, potential future superstars, and a fair share of failures. Some of the ones to watch so far are:

Tamera Foster

Tamera Foster, 16, originally auditioned as part of a duo, Silver Rock, but was eventually put through as a soloist. After battling the nerves and a rocky start to perform an incredible version of I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston, she had the whole audience behind her.

Hannah Barrett

The nervous 17 year old Hannah, who has fought through a troubled childhood, sailed through the first round, with an emotional and soulful performance that has firmly put her on the list of ones-to-watch.

Sam Bailey

Unlikely star, mother and prison warden Sam immediately wowed the judges with her powerful voice, performing Beyonce's Listen in her first audition, and continued to surprise in front of the audience. A good bet for the 'overs' category.

Alejandro Fernandez-Holt

Heartthrob Alejandro immediately wowed the ladies with a charismatic performance of Enrique Iglesias, and although perhaps not the strongest vocalist in the competition, he certainly has charm in abundance.

As X Factor fever is set to grip the nation again until Christmas, here at London Speaker Hire we are proud to have been a part in the large jigsaw of pieces that make up the show. In previous years we have supplied speaker equipment to the show, and also to some very successful previous contestants who have gone on to perform at large venues. We rent speakers in London to a large variety of performers, and stock equipment to fit a venue and crowd of any size and to any performance budget.

Our eyes are now glued to the screen, and we wish every bit of luck to the new round of hopefuls, some of whom will be lucky enough to sell out arenas in the not too distant future.

There are no doubts that event lighting is one of the most significant factors that need unique attention to bring the wonderful and exclusive atmosphere to life. Unique concepts of using the different kinds of lighting equipment can transform any empty room to an elegant and visually appealing ballroom.

In addition, lighting determines how your guests see the space, the ambiance, the decorations, centrepieces, brightness and overall colour. It also affects the photography. Therefore, here are three useful tips to successful event lighting.

#1 - Add or hide venue features

Many event planners learn that the ideal venue just doesn't exist. Factoring in funds, place, catering, capacity and many other needs, planners frequently end up choosing the best option while compromising in other areas. For some, this may mean having their space broken up by obtrusive columns. For others, it may need segmenting a ballroom with distasteful air-walls. For still more, it means working with tasteless wall paper or carpeting. Today's lighting effects can cleverly hide, reduce or play up different features to conform the room to the planner's vision. Some can shine in a way that alters the colour or smoothes over the pattern of existing walls and flooring. Others focus attention away from the unpleasant feature or alternately call attention to it while making it more attractive.

#2 - Add dance floor lighting

According to many DJs and sound system hire specialists, dance floor lighting takes your event to a whole new level, giving your special event the look and feel of a nightclub or concert. The only limitation of dance floor lighting is your imagination! With the use of an individual controller, your lighting technician can manage the patterns, pace, colour and other functions of the light fixtures. The colours are brighter, more dramatic and offer more combinations than ordinary lighting. Dance floor lighting also gives the ability to spotlight your unique moments and a real wow aspect to your event!

#3 - Add Custom Monogram Gobo

Custom monogram and texture gobos have become increasingly admired over the past few years. If you've dreamed of having your name in lights and be a start of the event then the custom monogram light is your answer. There are hundreds of pre-designed monograms to choose from or you can create your own and even match it to your invitations or event program. The textured gobos are patterns that shine on the dance floor or any focal point throughout your event. These patterns can really add to your design and make your images stand out. They can transform any dull, empty surface to a stunning backdrop. Both the custom monogram and textured gobos require a heavy duty light and quite a bit of power. They also have a production cost associated with them since each gobo has to be custom created for your event. However, these lights can add a lot of value to your lighting design and truly make your event unique!

Setting up a P.A. system for the first time can be extremely difficult, or you may have an idea on how to set up a P.A. system, but you may be uncertain if you are doing it correctly. A P.A. system is extremely important for the sound of your voice or the music that you are playing as when not set up correctly, it can affect the overall performance of those playing or singing, and the enjoyment of those who are listening.

Step One: Ensure that you have all the equipment you need to allow you to set up a P.A. successfully. If you require any equipment, we have a P.A. Hire service available in different packages therefore one will suit the needs of your event or party.

Step Two: Position the speakers on their stands above head height, and in front of the stage area or performance area. This is to prevent feedback from the speakers into the microphones, but also to prevent possible hearing damage to people passing by the speaker and people standing in front of the speaker and blocking the sound leaving the speakers.

Step Three: Place microphones on microphone stands position. Ensure your mixer is plugged in, but switched off, and begin to set up the P.A. To plug in microphones or instruments use the channel inputs and ensure to plug leads in correctly. Speakers will be plugged into the master output sockets and controlled by the master volume controls. You must ensure that all volume for the microphones, instruments, and speakers are turned to the lowest volume control before turning on the mixer system.

Step Four: Turn on mixer system. One by one test each microphone and adjust accordingly until you get the desired volume. Use the same process for your instruments if you have them or with your recorded music if doing a DJ set. Play a track and move in front of the speakers to gain an indication of what the audience will be hearing. Consider the size of the room you are in and how many people will be attending, and adjust your volume accordingly.

Step Five: When you are satisfied with the microphone, instruments/recorded music and speakers when working altogether at the one time, you MUST tape down any lose cables that are around the performance and stage area. This is to prevent accidents for both you and your audience.

Tips: When you have finished your performance, packing the P.A. system away correctly is important. Untangle leads and neatly wrap up and place back in packaging. Likewise, treat with care the microphones and the microphone stands and speakers. This is essential to maintain the quality of the P.A. and to prevent damage to the system itself.

If you are completely unsure of how to set up a P.A. we provide sound technicians that will happily set up and test the P.A. system for you.