Pontio in Bangor turned red tonight in support of the UK-wide campaign ‘We Make Events’ – calling for more government support for live venues.
The ‘Light It In Red’ campaign asked companies and event locations throughout the UK to join #WeMakeEvents in lighting their building or structure in Red, on Tuesday 11th August at 9pm, in order to draw attention to the dramatic situation facing the events sector.
More than 300 venues across the UK, including London’s National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall, turned their buildings red as part of the campaign.
Earlier today out-of-work music industry crew were among those who took part in a march through Manchester. Producers, engineers, tour managers, security staff, truck drivers and cleaners also marched past some of Manchester’s closed venues.
The Red Alert movement and #WeMakeEvents marches aim to raise awareness about the threat of job losses in the sector.
Organisers of Tuesday’s protests say around a million people work in the events sector, many of whom are freelancers, and they are at risk of losing their livelihoods without additional government support.
Peter Gabriel, Imogen Heap and The Cure have voiced support for the initiative.
The Welsh Government has promised £53m to help Wales’ diverse culture sector deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The fund will be delivered jointly with the Arts Council of Wales and has a “cultural contract” at its heart to encourage greater diversity, staff retention and environmental sustainability.
Pontio closed its doors on 20th March in response to the coronavirus crisis.
A statement from Pontio this evening said: “We look forward to opening our doors in Bangor once again when the time is right for audiences, staff and artists.”
