On Tuesday 11th August at 12pm, #WeMakeEvents will take action across the UK to raise awareness and shine a light on the imminent collapse of the UK touring, festival and events industry.
Manchester will be the only location to hold a March in order to draw attention to the numbers of people and their livelihoods affected by the government closure of the events industry.
This world-class industry is on the edge of losing a wealth of talent, expertise and a culture like no other across the world, with 114,000 of jobs at risk. A major concern being that only 50% of these companies have capital to get them through the next 4 months – so come the end of the year these businesses will not be in a position to open.
Greater Manchester Production & Events Industry companies and freelancers have come together to hold an event outside of London to support the campaign and show this is an issue across the UK. The Manchester music community is also pledging its support, with New Order, Doves, Mani and Blossoms helping raise awareness for the initiative and the march.
Blossoms said: “Our industry is in need of urgent action. Due to the Covid-19 crisis the whole music & live events sector has been devastated. So many skilled people are at risk of being lost to the whole industry if government support doesn’t come soon. Millions of talented people, including many people close to us, need help now. Please join together to support the campaign and call for the government to act now!” #WeMakeEvents
Julie Cotton, Production Co-Ordinator for artists such as Massive Attack, Nile Rodgers and Chic, and Elbow commented:
“We are making our voices heard for the UK live music, touring, festival and events industry. We are currently facing the potential decimation of the UK live music and events industry; the UK’s culture and entertainment sector is the envy of the world.
“We need continued government support in order for us to survive. The industry by nature is unseen. Thousands of people WERE working every day to give the general public cultural experiences and moments they will never forget.
Image: Warren Jackson
“This is no more. On Tuesday 11th August the ‘behind the scenes’ backbone of the industry in Manchester are coming together, making themselves visible to ensure that UNTIL concerts, festivals and events are safe to resume they have the support they need from the government.”
The Manchester Music & Events industry march will start at 12:00 (midday) on Tuesday 11th August.
The march will include a flight case push across a designated route through the city – from Manchester Academy through to St. Peters Square – that will pass iconic venues, that are currently shuttered. The protesters will be from all areas of industry from Sound Engineers to Security, Truck Drivers to Tour Managers, Cleaners to Crew, Box Office to Finance staff, and anyone else that plays a part in a concert, event or festival.
With no work, companies are laying off staff. Self-employed people are leaving the industry to attempt to find alternative work. Parts of the industry will not survive through to next spring or summer. This is not just a job, it is a way of life. The Government MUST offer continued support to all levels of our industry after October 1st.
