‘Red alert' events campaign goes global
A global campaign is calling on venues around the world to raise awareness of the threat to the events sector by lighting up in red on 30 September.
Light It In Red is supporting We Make Events, which was created by industry bodies and professionals in the UK at the beginning of the pandemic. The group celebrated its first ‘red alert' on 11 August, which saw 700 theatres and music halls in the UK light up in red. The campaign is being run by a growing industry collective of trade bodies, businesses and freelancers across live music, comedy, theatre and the arts, affected by the shutdown.
Campaign organisers have said that the ‘global day of action' on 30 September will see the industry unite "as never before", with activities planned throughout the day, culminating in buildings turning red from 8pm-11pm local time.
They have warned that without "significant and immediate support" the entire live events sector supply chain is at risk of collapse.
The latest collaboration, Red Alert – Stand as One, is designed to raise awareness in support of the live events sector, which employs more than one million people in the UK, all of whom have had no work since March and are unlikely to restart until spring 2021.
A statement posted on #LightItInRed's website said: "Our industry is important and contributes billions of pounds each year to the UK economy; due to Covid-19 it needs immediate help.
"We want our future to continue to create millions of memories with the stories to match – it's what we do best."
Those taking part in the UK include Edgbaston Park hotel at the University of Birmingham. General manager Richard Metcalfe said that without "immediate support" from governments, venues around the world would close permanently.
He added: "That means job insecurity for a lot of people at a really tough time. But long term, we're also at risk of losing the spaces that create great memories and make our lives better – from sharing essential research at conferences to celebrating with the people we love.
"We may not be able to meet in person as usual at the moment, but we need action now to make sure we still can in the future."
Organisations and venues interested in taking part can register here
Image: Facebook
