The entertainment industry crisis in red

August 5 marked five months since the events industry has been shut down due to Covid-19.

To take a stand against the crisis, the #LightSARed campaign took place and landmarks, such as the soccer ball in Steiltes, were illuminated in red yesterday evening. Other areas that were lit up by AVS Hire included Westend Shopping Centre, Doug's Hiring, Casterbridge Tower in White River and Nelcity Centre.

A live-stream concert was also held at Harry Green Music World, in partnership with Rock Solid Sound Productions. "Through this campaign we'd like to remind the community that we are still in business and can attend to small events that comply with Covid-19 regulations," said RJ Nel, Harry Green Music World manager and co-owner of Rock Solid Sound Productions.

The event catered for 20 guests and was live-streamed, and is also still available, on the Harry Green Music World

Facebook page.

Havanna Band performed original songs written by Ilse Maré and some covers at the concert, along with Danny Fisher and Danny's Angels.

"It was the first time that we performed live since March 8," said Wynand Maré of Havanna Band.

"We joined the concert to add our voice to the #LightSARed campaign, that artists are majorly affected during this time.

We'd like to ask the community to support local artists, including painters, poets and others, and events companies."

Margaret Adams, of Rock Tot Music, had the following to say about the campaign, "Since March, the live music scene nationwide jumped to a standstill. Musicians we know are worried for their future.

"While watching Cyril's speeches, it became prominent that the live music industry was going to be the last to be able to open. With the #LightSARed campaign, we are confident that we will not be the forgotten industry. Personally, this has affected us so much, as we don't have an income from our events, festivals and open mics. We hope that this campaign will make a difference. We are motivated to #LightSARed."

Marlet van Wetten, of Small Town Music, said, "What people don't realise is the scope of the effect - it's not just the venue, the artist and the sound and lighting, it's the marketing companies dealing with the event, it's the food vendors and stalls that sell goods during the shows. #LightSARed is about creating an awareness of all the events that depend on so many people to take place, and how many of those people are seriously affected during the lockdown."

Van Wetten further encouraged the community to follow their favourite local artists on Facebook and make a note of when they have live-stream shows and to buy tickets or donate towards the events.

Locals were encouraged to join the campaign by lighting any object red, taking a photo and sharing it on social media using #LightSARed.