Today (Thursday 2nd July) the UK music industry has mobilised to call for immediate Government assistance in the fight against COVID-19. DHP is proud to be part of the #LetTheMusicPlay campaign which aims to draw attention to the problems faced by the live music industry and calls on the Government to provide:
- A clear, conditional timeline for reopening venues without social distancing.
- A comprehensive business and employment support package and access to finance
- Full VAT exemptionon ticket sales.
Below is a letter sent to Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden.
“UK live music has been one of the UK’s biggest social, cultural, and economic successes of the past decade. From world-famous festivals to ground-breaking concerts, the live music industry showcases, supports, and develops some of the best talent in the world – on and off-stage. As important as it is, our national and regional contribution isn’t purely cultural. Our economic impact is also significant, with live music adding £4.5bn to the British economy and supporting 210,000 jobs across the country in 2019.
Like every part of the entertainment industry, live music has been proud to play our part in the national effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus and keep people safe. But, with no end to social distancing in sight or financial support from government yet agreed, the future for concerts and festivals and the hundreds of thousands of people who work in them looks bleak.
This sector doesn’t want to ask for government help. The promoters, festival organisers, and other employers want to be self-sufficient, as they were before lockdown. But, until these businesses can operate again, which is likely to be 2021 at the earliest, government support will be crucial to prevent mass insolvencies, and the end of this great world-leading industry. Government has addressed two important British pastimes – football and pubs – and it’s now crucial that it focuses on a third, live music. For the good of the economy, the careers of emerging British artists, and the UK’s global music standing, we must ensure that a live music industry remains when the pandemic has finally passed.”
We’ve also been sharing some of our favourite gig memories from before lockdown, and encourage all live music lovers to do the same using the #letthemusicplay hashtag. Live music is an essential part of our culture and needs to be protected. Thanks for your support!
