Iconic Landmarks Across The UK Are Expected To Turn Red Tonight In Aid Of Beleaguered Live Events Industry

Tonight, 500 of the UK’s most iconic landmarks will be lit up in “emergency red” to draw attention to the critical condition of the live events and entertainment industry.

A glimpse of hope was given to Britain’s arts industry last night, as £1.57bn was pledged by the government – yet the supply chain behind the production of live music events and festivals is still being largely ignored.

Unlike other industries, live outdoor events, festivals and performances have been unable to safely reopen due to social distancing guidance, and may not reopen until early 2021. Many of the 600,000 jobs, making events happen, are not eligible for any of the government COVID-19 financial schemes – putting further strain on the sector.

The #LightItInRed campaign will see at least 564 buildings across the UK illuminated, with Sheffield Theatres, York Theatre Royal and the Lawrence Batley Theatre expected to join a campaign inspired by Germany’s #NightofLight protest in June that saw €1b in emergency arts funding.

The industry’s leading trade body, PLASA, is actively supporting the campaign to raise awareness for the entire supply chain ranging from production staff - 72% of whom are self-employed freelancers to UK manufacturers and production and equipment rental houses.

Peter Heath, MD of PLASA, comments:
“While the rescue package indicates some progress in addressing the UK’s cultural catastrophe, there is still a vast amount of more tailored support needed. There are thousands of business’s and people involved in live productions, outside of theatres, who are not being taken into consideration and do not know when they will be returning to work. The #LightItInRed campaign is a warning to the government, that we can expect the production ecosystem to collapse before spring next year unless we see an extension of the furlough scheme, capital grants and the self-employed income protection scheme, at the very least.”