30/09/2020
The events industry in our country has been decimated by this pandemic. Everyone who makes a living by organising events have been told they cannot work, cannot plan and therefore cannot earn. Most have been excluded from ANY government funded help or support, and as the first industry to close during this pandemic, and undoubtedly the last to open, there isn’t an industry more affected.
We hear people saying that most things are more important than theatre, comedy, live music or large events, but the people who work in these industries make their living doing this. It’s all they do,it’s how they pay their bills and feed their children.
Quite apart from the fact that without support, these things will simply cease to exist. Just think for a second... No theatre, no stand up comedy, no concerts, no festivals, no night clubs.
It’s easy to simply think of the big names, and assume they’ll be ok, and they probably will but it’s the grass roots that will suffer most, because without comedy clubs, small theatres, local clubs and commercial venues of all sizes, the people starting out will have nowhere to work. Within a few years these industries could easily be dead without the help that every other industry is currently getting either through direct govt intervention or through self employed help.
The creative industries need support NOW. Without getting too political about it.. think of this... EVERY PERSON in this country could be furloughed on full pay for TWO YEARS including self employed actors, musicians, comedians, DJs etc if we simply delayed or cancelled the renewal of trident.
Please write to your MP, or take 2 minutes to sign relevant petitions if you see them (Which you will today) and then just maybe, when this is all over, well still have somewhere to go to celebrate this all being over
