Events venues to be lit in red as part of sector campaign
Venues across Birmingham will again be lit red this week, as part of a campaign highlighting the blight that the events industry has faced due to the pandemic.
Organisers of the Light It In Red campaign are for the fourth time since the pandemic began, asking venues to light up their premises or share messages of support on social media for the live events industry.
The sector is one that has been hit hardest by Covid restrictions, and has been unable to fully reopen for a year.
Organisations, such as the NEC, have taken part in previous iterations of the campaign, which took place last year.
Henrietta Brealey, chief strategy officer at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, commented that the Chamber would be standing with, what she describes, as one of the industries that has faced the longest, most challenging lockdowns in the pandemic.
She said: “Our region 's events industry contributes so much to what makes it an exciting place to visit and do business and is a key part of our economy.
“It 's also one of the industries that 's faced the longest, most challenging lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Today we want to show our solidarity with and support for the industry, its supply chain and the people that work within and rely on it through Light It Red.
“From the major institutions such as the NEC group, SME suppliers to individual freelancers - we stand with you and look forward to supporting and shouting about your return as soon as we can. ”
Joanna Reid, executive director at the Belgrade in Coventry, explained why the theatre will be lighting up in red this week: “It 's hard to believe it 's been a year since we theatres had to stop normal activities. By taking part in the #LightItInRed campaign we are sending a message of hope and support across the industry which has been so devastated by the pandemic .
“We show our solidarity with those who have unfortunately lost their livelihoods and those who are still working tirelessly to save this massively important industry. We will come back, and we will be stronger than ever. And very soon Coventry City of Culture re-opens its doors! ”
Sean Foley, artistic director at the REP, is to looking forward to opening the theatre 's doors again in May.
He said: “It 's been almost twelve months since we closed our doors and ceased almost all live performance. It 's been an extremely challenging period for all theatres across the country, but I 'm delighted we can now look forward to welcoming back audiences and artists, and am thrilled to announce that now, quite rightly, some of Birmingham 's brightest talent will reopen the venue in May. ”
Stuart Whitehill, account director at Overseas Fairs, hopes to see exhibitions kick off again in July. He said: “The last 12 months has been an extremely difficult for the events industry and especially those involved with overseas trade fairs. We are keeping everything crossed that we will hopefully see our exhibition programme kick off in July and gather pace throughout the autumn and winter months before returning to normal by the start of next year. ”
Nick Reed, chief executive of the music charity responsible for Town Hall Symphony Hall, added: “I am proud to see Town Hall join the #LightItInRed campaign once again, to raise awareness for the dire situation currently being faced by the live events industry. 2020 was one of the most difficult years ever for the live music industry. Our sector was the first to be hit by the pandemic and without help it won 't survive. ”
Pictured: The NEC lit up in red as part of a previous iteration of the #LightItInRed campaign