The recognition for urgent support
AN INDUSTRY ON RED ALERT
On 11 August, #WeMakeEvents hosted a Red Alert Day of Action in August which saw iconic venues, landmarks and monuments across the UK light up red, in partnership with #LightItInRed.
In London, thousands of supporters lined banks and bridges as we lit the skyline red and shone our message along the Thames.
The live stream of the event has been watched by half a million people across social media.
Venues and crew signal ‘red alert’ for live music, theatre and events
UK live events industry takes part in ‘Red Alert Day’ to call for sustained government support
Devastating impact of covid shutdown on the hidden army of workers at London’s famous music venues
ANOTHER CALL FOR URGENT SUPPORT
GLOBAL ACTION
Following on from the 11 August 2020, #WeMakeEvents staged a series of events around the world on 30 September involving 25 countries from New Zealand to Chile, lighting the skylines red at 8pm local time.
The international events drew the attention of mainstream media as well as an endless stream of major recording artists, festivals and DJs including Radiohead, Coldplay, Noel Gallagher, Annie Mac, Emily Eavis, Carl Cox, Gorillaz and Fatboy Slim to name just a few.
THE POLITICAL JOURNEY - 2020 TO 2022
#WeMakeEvents has engaged with Government officials and departments at every step of the lockdown. So far, we have achieved the following:
- We have shared our industry research in countless one-to-one briefings. As a result, the phrase ‘live events supply chain’ has now become a routine point of reference in debates, hearings and documents.
- Through engagements with DCMS and MPs, there was a higher inclusion of the live events supply chain in the Culture Recovery Fund Round 2. The percentage raised from 3% in Round 1 to over 12% in Round 2. We continued to engage with DCMS and Arts Council England to ensure an even higher rate in Round 3.
- We thank all of you who wrote to your local MP using our templates and guidance. Over 300 MPs now back #WeMakeEvents, many of whom have written directly to the Chancellor pressing the issue.
#WeMakeEvents has contributed to several Government groups including:
- The DCMS select committee inquiry into the Future of UK Music Festivals
- The APPG on the Night-Time Economy
- The APPG on Business in a Pandemic (Covid) World
- The Public Accounts Committee review of the Culture Recovery Fund
- The DCMS Working Group on the Creative and Cultural Touring Project
SURVIVAL IN THE SQUARE
In October 2020, #WeMakeEvents hosted Survival in the Square on Parliament Square in London.
This week-long series of creative activations brought together all walks of the live entertainment sector, from classical musicians and ballerinas to stand up comedians and technical crew. Everyone came together on the last evening to take a collective bow.
SUPPORT FROM STAND UP COMEDIANS
#WEMAKEEVENTS RESPONDS TO THE AMAZON CHRISTMAS ADVERT
Jägermeister Presents: #WeMakeEvents
BIKEFEST
BikeFest is a fun and challenging fundraising cycle, which sees an intrepid team of cycling enthusiasts flying the flag for our industry – in the UK and Spain.
Not only do they cycle 100 miles towards PLASA Show in London each September, they also cover nearly 400km towards ISE in Barcelona!
The BikeFest team has raised tens of thousands of pounds for industry charity Backup Tech.
CHARITY FUNDRAISING
#WeMakeEvents has been raising, not only awareness of our industry, but vital funds for selected industry charities.
We have chosen to support Backup, the technical industry charity who support individuals and their families in time of need. Backup commit to relieve people who work in the entertainment technology Industry and their families, who are in need due to ill-health or are experiencing financial distress or hardship.
Backup also contributes to other charities, Music Support and Stagehand.
