Live events professionals representing the sector’s entire supply chain came together on 11th August for the #WeMakeEvents ‘Red Alert Day of Action’. Spearheaded by PLASA, the campaign called for organisations of all sizes, and individuals alike, to stand as one and elevate awareness of the critical threat our industry faces due to COVID-19.

In an astonishing display of solidarity, hundreds attended

nationwide demonstrations and over 300 venues were lit in red, highlighting the

peril of the sector and risk to its workforce’s livelihood. In the capital,

iconic buildings including the London Eye, Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, and

Royal Albert Hall were all transformed in support.

The message to media and government was crystal clear…as the first industry to shut down and the last to recover following the pandemic, financial aid and relief is critically needed to save live events. Encompassing events from music gigs and festivals, to theatre and interactive experiences to name a few, the campaign was backed by compelling messages from many high-profile artists and influential figures.

Having dedicated nearly 50 wonderful years to delivering technical solutions for every facet of the incredibly diverse live events industry, we were honoured to do our bit for the cause. Our MD Bryan Raven played a vital role in garnering further support from peers and helping to vocalise the plea to media on board PLASA’s We Make Events boat. As the boat travelled along the Thames, our Production team were on the ground providing lighting for venues such as Tate Modern, and to help symbolise “throwing us a line”. Many of our staff, both working and furloughed, proudly stood side-by-side with the wider events community. Meanwhile back at WL HQ, our building was lit in red and we joined forces with our transport partner A-B using some of our fleet to reinforce the message.

#LightItInRed

Bryan comments: “This vital campaign unified event

professionals from the length and breadth of both the UK and the supply chain

that forms the backbone of our sector, in taking positive action. It was

humbling to gain so much support and witness hundreds of those affected by the

instantaneous cancellation of our industry, standing together, peacefully and

safely to convey their plight. We have done all we can and now rely on the

government to throw us a line of urgently needed aid. We also need clearly

defined guidelines to steer us all on the road to recovery before it is too

late.”

With widespread coverage of the We Make Events ‘Red Alert Day of Action’ reaching the mainstream news and the top trending spot on social media, our collective message has been both seen and heard. Time will tell if it was received loud and clearly enough to save the world of live events as we know it.

The post The day the UK’s #EventProfs stood together on Red Alert appeared first on White Light.