Sussex events industry and Brighton venues support #WeMakeEvents
#WeMakeEvents
Tonight – Wednesday 30 September – the whole of the region comes together to demonstrate in glorious red over the enormous challenges faced by the global events industry. Brighton will see some of its key venues turn red as the shout goes out: We make events – and we need help!
The #WeMakeEvents campaign was created to raise awareness that the events sector needs far greater support if it is to survive. The action will begin in New Zealand and travel around the world in local time.
On Wednesday 30th September from 6.30pm-8.30pm Brighton’s iconic British Airways i360 Viewing Tower, together with venues along the seafront – including the Brighton Centre, Palace Pier, Warren Outdoors and Concorde2 will be lit up red in solidarity for everyone affected by Covid-19 who work in the events industry.
The Brighton activity is spearheaded by a core group of event professionals all of whom live locally and work on some of Brighton’s biggest events; as well as hundreds – if not thousands – of other event operators working within the industry.
Events such as The Great Escape and Pride alone contribute £20.5 million to the local economy with the city hosting 450,000 people over the weekend. The team comprises Jacqui Partridge and Ian Silcock from Partridge Events; Ian Baird, founder of EPIC and Whiskey Bravo Productions; and John Wallis from Reveries Events.
What will happen tonight?
A team of events volunteers have come together to light the buildings and landmarks along the seafront. Partridge explains, “We’d like as many venues to light up red as possible. With LED lighting it’s easy to achieve and they can register to take part at www.lightitinred.co.uk
The industry is worth billions, and most within the industry feel that their sector has been completely undervalued and undersupported during the pandemic.
“This can include bars, restaurants, hotels and shops that have been affected by the lack of visitor economy this year.”
It’s not just about lighting though – events professionals from every aspect of the industry will turn out to make their voices heard. The industry is worth billions in revenue every year, and most within the industry feel that their sector has been completely undervalued and undersupported during the pandemic.
Julia Gallagher, at tourist office VisitBrighton said, “All events at the Brighton Centre have been cancelled due to restrictions. Meetings, incentives, conferences, and events are the lifeblood of the city as they fill hotel rooms during the off-peak season, creating economic benefit which sustains our workforce, 16% of whom are engaged in jobs supported by the visitor economy. It is crucial that the industry is supported to a full return as soon as it is safe to do so.”
How you can help
#WeMakeEvents is an international movement to highlight that the live events sector urgently needs support from local governments to survive the Covid-19 crisis.
#WeMakeEvents is the champion for all the individuals working in the events industry, creating awareness and understanding of their concerns and issues. As part of this, #WeMakeEvents raises money to give immediate support for our industry charities who in turn will be able to help and support individuals in need.
Sign up to be involved on 30th September for the Global Activation from 8-11pm: www.wemakeevents.com more information will follow on how people can do this at home.
Join the Facebook pages We Make Events Brighton Seafront 30th September and We Make Events Campaign and invite peers. Share what you miss about not having events, share pictures of your favourite events and what they mean to you. Use hashtags #WeMakeEvents #RedAlert #Lightitinred on social posts.
Follow @WeMakeEventsOfficial on Instagram and Twitter.
Venues and businesses can download the #WeMakeEvents logo from the official site, print it out and place it in the business to highlight the cause.
Take a picture and post on personal social media channels using #WeMakeEvents #RedAlert #Lightitinred and on the Facebook pages
Make a donation or buy some We Make Events merchandise. 80% of profit goes to industry charities to support those suffering financial hardship.
Full information from www.wemakeevents.com
More details about tonight’s Brighton event on the WeMakeEvents Brighton Facebook page
