Supply chain facing ‘complete collapse’ without financial aid

The plight of the UK events industry, and the threat to more than a million jobs, has become the focus of a national campaign.

Organisers behind the #Wemakeevents drive – which saw 715 buildings lit up in red last week – believe the UK Government’s £1.57 billion investment into cultural and arts institutions will not reach many of the industry’s key workers.

Peter Heath, managing director of campaign leaders PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association), said: “The live events industry supply chain, essential to every single event in the UK, is set to completely collapse without financial support from the government, due to social distancing prohibiting mass events.

“Large-scale events are not expected to reopen until spring 2021 at the earliest, and the reality is that the sector can’t wait that long.”

“Large-scale events are not expected to reopen until spring 2021 at the earliest, and the sector can’t wait that long. PETER HEATH, OF PLASA

He said: “While the government’s commitment to provide £1.57bn to our crown jewels is welcome, this does not help the companies and freelancers who work in the live events supply chain.”

TRNSMT festival organiser Geoff Ellis, the man behind T in the Park, has welcomed state support but said the sector needs more.

“The issue we have as an industry is that we can’t really get back, in most areas, until social distancing goes away.

“The government has said that they need social distancing in place until a vaccine is available, and that just doesn’t work for concerts.”

He added: “There’s a whole eco-system of people and jobs around concerts and events.

“It’s good that the government is recognising the problems and that we need support.

“I don’t think we realistically expect any concerts on a large-scale until next spring, so we’ve got a long way to go.”