Since Covid-19 was deemed a pandemic, the entertainment industry, especially the music business, has been greatly affected to the point of collapse if action is not taken imminently. PLASA, an international association for those who supply services to the entertainment industries, has stepped in by creating a campaign titled ‘We Make Events’.

Their message to the Government, music lovers, music business workers, and anyone who can help, is that “the events sector urgently needs more support to survive the Covid-19 crisis.” On PLASA’s website, they write, “Live events around the world have been devastated, from major festivals and landmark theatres, to grassroots venues and business events. Without major immediate support from government, the entire supply chain is at risk of collapse.”

In a new attempt to gain attention, the organisation has arranged a march to take place in locations around the UK today, Tuesday 11th August. Artists, bands, producers, engineers, managers, cleaners – many more who who work in the music industry – have shown their support and will continue to do so with this ‘Red Alert Day of Action’.

Check out #WeMakeEventMCR marching for #WeMakeEvents! Now it’s up to the rest of the UK to make a statement! #Manchester https://t.co/bayoayFpjX

— PLASA (@PlasaOnline) August 11, 2020

‘Red Alert’ is another slogan created to raise awareness of the closure of venues and festivals, and the loss of both jobs and globally recognised culture. Venues honoured this by lighting up in red to show support, and to ask for financial help during this time. The marches are taking place in cities across the country, with links to register for any given event on PLASA’s website. Find the full list of cities below, with more details on their respective websites.

We are proudly lighting in red in support of #WeMakeEvents

THE LIVE EVENTS INDUSTRY IS NOW AT RED ALERT

Find out how to help support including signing your name here:https://t.co/1CscvhVFCf pic.twitter.com/zfA0Gjzf7P

— The SSE Arena, Wembley (@ssearena) August 11, 2020

Alongside this, PLASA asks that the music industry be supported by the Government through grants (not loans) which would be made available to businesses in the supply chain; the furlough scheme to be extended until the industry is up and running again safely; finally, an extension of the self-employment scheme for all the freelance workers who have lost all work.

Manchester band Blossoms asked fans for help via a video posted to Twitter, in which they explained that their  2020 tour was cut short, and their production suppliers are facing loss of work, and therefore payment. Furthermore, venues are being forced to close as they are no longer receiving business – action must be taken now so that “there will be a music industry to go back to.” Other artists to speak out include Mani, bassist for The Stone Roses, New Order, Nial Rogers, The Courteneers, and King Crimson.

#WeMakeEvents pic.twitter.com/oCRvWJqjbQ — B L O S S O M S (@BlossomsBand) August 11, 2020