#AmazingAccrington Magazine - Summer Edition 2024

LOCAL LAD GOES GLOBAL! Edward O’Brien is the award-winning CEO of iMEP.

Eddy worked on the World Premiere of The Greatest Showman in New York.

“Eddy” is the driving force behind an incredibly talented company, passionate about every minor detail that comes with being so successful in the music event production industry for the last eight years. Having toured the world extensively, Eddy brings with him a wealth of experience that you will struggle to fi nd elsewhere. Lighting, sound, staging, special e ff ects… there is no end to Eddy’s talents and that is why he has worked with some of the most talented musicians and performers in the world, who have entrusted iMEP to run their events, time after time. Eddy and his highly skilled team provide a turnkey operation for events throughout the world. Only recently did Eddy head up a world fi rst, as a popular rock orchestra went global and performed at Palladium Times Square in New York, while they also played a starring role in the Blackpool premiere of The Next Generation: School Of Rock – The Musical. That event featured the full iMEP package, from lighting, sound and stage management, to backline technicians, monitor engineers and more! Talking of fi rsts, Eddy was also part of The Greatest Showman’s World Premiere in New York. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Zac Efron, Hugh Jackman and James Corden… the experience and skills picked up working on large scale productions has been pivotal in Eddy’s illustrious career so far.

As stage and production manager upon The Royal Caribbean, Eddy played a senior role on the fi rst post-COVID cruise ship to set sail in the world. Departing Singapore with very strict rules and regulations, the role showcased Eddy’s strong ability to work under pressure and think outside the box to ensure a fi rst class production occurred in the harshest of conditions. A former studio manager at the BBC including BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC World Services, Eddy from Accrington, has also accomplished so much in his home country. With a clear goal and purpose from an early age, he made contacts for life while working at the Blackburn Empire Theatre, and won awards for his exceptional Auschwitz documentary with the Holocaust Educational Trust, all while still at college.

Supporting work on music festivals, food festivals and soapbox challenges have come since, with Eddy’s personable and honest nature leading to repeat bookings, again and again and again. Closer to home and iMEP are also passionate about giving back to their local community and Eddy is also chair of the Hyndburn Food Pantry, where he continues to help and support local people. Eddy was also part of the famous ‘Pedal for Pudsey’ initiative with BBC Radio Lancashire’s Graham Liver, during his time working with the BBC. The generosity of Eddy and his team has continued with the donation of thousands of pounds worth of auction prizes for the Mayor of Hyndburn’s Charity Ball, which included football hospitality tickets at Old Tra ff ord and concert tickets at the AO arena. The event raised over £15,000 for local charities. Eddy and iMEP are also proud sponsors at Accrington Cricket Club and recently launched their sponsorship alongside legendary Accringtonian and England cricketer, David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd. Now CEO of one of the fastest growing music event production companies in the world, Eddy’s journey continues. Hold tight for an exhilarating 2024!

“Lighting, sound, staging, special effects… there is no end to Eddy’s talents and that is why he has worked with the very best.”

iMEP were recently named arena and front of shirt sponsors at Accrington Cricket Club

You can learn more about iMEP on their brand new website: www.imep.co.uk

CEO of iMEP, Eddy O’Brien

Eddy has been part of a number of community projects including the Pedal for Pudsey challenge with BBC Radio Lancashire.

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