Hundreds of UK event venues and businesses lit in red on Tuesday (11 August) to highlight the challenge UK events are currently facing, as part of the #WeMakeEvents campaign.
Live events trade bodies and businesses across the UK joined together under the #WeMakeEvents banner to bring attention to the situation the live events industry and its supply chain is facing.
The campaign issued a ‘Red Alert’ with many organisations, businesses and live events staff coming together to raise awareness and ask the government to provide meaningful support from the Government until the industry is allowed to operate in a way that is not limited by social distancing policies.
The campaign is calling for the following measures:
1. Grants – not loans – made available to businesses in the events supply chain
2. Furlough scheme extended until the industry is back to work
3. Extension of the self-employment scheme, tailored towards the industry
An ICC Wales spokeswoman said: "We lit the building to match our dragon last night as we joined our fantastic suppliers Stage Electrics in support of the #WeMakeEvents campaign to bring awareness of the hardship facing the whole events industry and its amazing creative people. Without additional support for our venues and supply chain, the UK is in danger of losing its global position as a world leader in world class events and entertainment."
Michael Begley, managing director of venuedirectory, said: “Venues throughout the UK are suffering following the lockdown and we need to highlight the challenges faced by everyone who works in the business events sector.
“In just one venue there’s a whole team of technicians, transportation specialists, event organisers, AV specialists - many of whom are freelancers who have fallen under the radar of the government’s support schemes and they need our help. These freelancers have been forgotten. Live events are key to people on a personal level and a business level, with the UK seen as the epicentre of many world-class events.”
Somerset House in London also lit up red in support of the #WeMakeEvents campaign. Acting head of commercial events Lorraine Thorne said: “We’re thrilled to be open again and welcoming people back in a socially acceptable way. It was also important for us to show solidarity with the campaign. At Somerset House we marry art with events so we hope this marks the beginning of some positive return and we can continue to open up further.”
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
