MESSAGE NEEDS TO BE HEARD BY THOSE IN POWER

The #wemakeevents campaign has gathered pace with a number of powerful videos and life stories circulating online over the last few days. Now some of the biggest names in music are getting involved. But first - some stats.

“Music tourists would spend around £90m per year” I read in an official press release.

“Co “Concert and festival aud audience numbers reaching al almost 300,000 per a annum. There is no question that the sector is vital to the local economy”

Needless to say, it all began to make pretty grim reading.

“45% of affected companies are expecting to make further redundancies after the end of the Government furlough period, unless it is extended. Meanwhile, some of the freelance staff that make up a huge portion of this workforce have received zero Governmental aid. Self-employed workers are reluctantly seeking work in other sectors despite having niche, once sought-after skills. Much of the industry here will not survive into 2021.”

Steve Strange, agent to Eminem, Coldplay and many others – and arguably the most powerful Northern Irish man in music – has had his say.

“The live industry is currently on its knees and without Government support, the sector will see mass losses and a drain of talent – both artists who are unable to perform live and skilled workers who wi will move to other sectors in o order to survive.”

Gary Lightbody – who has always done what he can to support the scene here, has also spoken out.

“There are so many vital roles in this eco system; the tech crews, roadies, transport companies, riggers, promoters and many more that cannot be forgotten. With no start date for their livelihoods, these jobs are all under threat. This is a community that comes together, not only to create live events and soundtracks for the general public to enjoy enormously, but in this - a very real time of need for the industry we all love.”

A ‘global day of action’ is planned for Wednesday, September 30. For more info and updates - and to read about how you can help – follow #Wemakeeventsni on social media, share what you see and make your voice heard.