The live events industry was one of the first to feel the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over half of our members surveyed expect to lose 70-100% of their business for 2020. Businesses throughout the supply chain are at significant risk with no sign of income until 2021.
Without additional support, the UK is in danger of losing its global position as a world leader in the planning and delivery of world class events. Furthermore, all of our incredibly skilled creatives and technicians could lose their livelihoods for good.
If the events industry continues to be overlooked, the UK’s diverse cultural output will be significantly reduced long into the future, and as a nation we will be much worse off for it.
HOW LIVE EVENTS CAN BE SAVED
PLASA is calling for meaningful support from government until the industry is allowed to operate in a way that is not limited by social distancing policies.
The events industry urgently needs a bailout until the markets return in 2021, including:
1. Grants 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
Take action to help the live events sector
ADD YOUR NAME TO THE CAMPAIGN
Sign up to the list of people campaigning for more support. Your name may be used as part of open letters to government, if you would like to opt-out anytime please contact info@plasa.org.
LIGHT IT IN RED – MONDAY 6 JULY
Drawing public attention to the devastating situation of the event industry, this large scale campaign will simultaneously light buildings and structures in red across the UK on the night of Monday 6th of July 2020. Images and videos of the illuminated buildings and structures will be uploaded to social media under the hashtag #LightItInRed.
Inspired by Germany’s #NightofLight on 22 June which saw over 9,000 monuments, towers, landmarks, castles, offices and houses illuminated in ‘Emergency Red’ to raise awareness of the German events industry.
LET THE MUSIC PLAY
UK Music and the UK Live Music Group have teamed up with live music businesses, recording artists, venues, festivals, production companies and industry leaders to create the #LetTheMusicPlay campaign. Their aim is to highlight the importance of the music sector. The campaign has already attracted the support from Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Paul McCartney who have signed a letter to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.
The campaign is asking the government for: a clear conditional timeline for reopening venues without social distancing, an immediate comprehensive business and employment support package and access to finance, and full VAT exemption on ticket sales.
HEAR FROM OUR MEMBERS
“All of our income requires the public to socialise in numbers, directly or indirectly. Until mass gatherings resume, we are out of business.”
“Government needs to recognise that there are many elements that are integral to creating a show. Many of us are behind the scenes and not recognised.”
“We have cut everything to the bone with just minimal staff for security and client contact, all on reduced salaries. Despite this we will run out of money before income resumes.”
“We are looking to make redundancies in September. The soundings from our clients aren’t encouraging at the moment and the government help will be soon long gone.”