Backup has announced the launch of the Backup Pumpkin Challenge, a new Halloween campaign aiming to raise awareness of the technical entertainment charity.

Entrants from the technical entertainment and creative industries are asked to use their in-house skills and equipment to enhance their carved pumpkin, and post the results on Instagram with the hashtag #BackupPumpkinChallenge.

The idea was the brainchild of Mike Crawley, social media manager at business development agency Collaborative Creations, who commented: “I came up with the idea while working on a Halloween post for our client CORE Lighting, and I started to wonder how other companies in the industry could incorporate their products into a traditional carved pumpkin.

“The Pumpkin Challenge is a fun and creative way for the industry to raise money for a fantastic charity.”

The pumpkins will be judged in the following four categories:

·         Best Overall Design (judged by panel)
·         Best Use of Tech (judged by panel)
·         Most Money Raised (via the Backup Pumpkin Challenge Fundraising Page)
·         Most Overall Likes (on Instagram)

Entries have to be posted by 31st October to be eligible, with the winners being announced on 5th November.

All money raised from the fundraising side of the campaign will go to the Backup charity, which provides financial support to industry technical professionals working in live events, theatre, TV and film who are seriously ill or who were involved in an accident.

The Backup Pumpkin Challenge is supported by the Association of Lighting Designers and the Association of Sound Designers.

Find out more about the campaign here.