Knight of Illumination Awards Deadline Extended to June 30 2011

The Knight of Illumination Awards has extended the deadline for entries into its lighting design awards program until June 30.

Currently in its fourth year, the Knight of Illumination Awards was established to recognize the talents of lighting designers working across the creative arts in the UK. Past winners include Bernie Davis, Baz Halpin, Cate Carter, Dave Davey, Al Gurdon, Andi Watson, and Paule Constable.

The awards are the only program dedicated exclusively to the stage lighting designer's craft in the UK, and, in all likelihood, the only competition in the world where winners receive an authentic medieval battle sword, crafted in Toledo, Spain. Neil Austin, who received his "knighthood" for work on the London-staged musical, Parade, said: "The Knight of Illumination Awards are the gold standard. They are the only awards to honor lighting design in all disciplines and at all levels of the industry. All entries - whether from fringe, regional or national level - are judged by people who've actually seen the shows."

Designers can nominate their own work, or be nominated by a third party such as an agent or a member of the production team.

Entry is free and open to any UK-based lighting designer in the following categories:

• Television (drama, light entertainment, small studio)
• Rock (stage events, arena events, eco innovation)
• Theatre (dance, opera, play, musicals)

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 11 September 2011 at Ibis London Earls Court Hotel, 47 Lillie Road, London.