Established in 2007 as Light Relief Day and now renamed By Design Day, 24 April is the day that, each year, people in the professional lighting design business give back to help others less fortunate than themselves. The first 'joint venture' between Light Relief and Behind the Scenes raised £7,500 - £3450 for Light Relief and $5,700 for Behind the Scenes. The money came through a variety of channels, including a bucket collection among the audience of the London production of Hairspray on the day itself - thanks to show chief Sara Lunn and Michael Ball.
To make the 2010 event even more successful, the organisers are giving designers on both sides of the Atlantic advance warning of By Design Day 2010 which, as always, is 24 April in honour of the late Tony Gottelier, co-founder of Light Relief. Lighting and other designers are asked to donate their royalties for the day, while others in non-royalty situations give what they are able.
(Jim Evans)
