Tate Modern lights up in call for ministers to save one million creative industry jobs

The Tate Modern illuminated red tonight in an effort to show its solidarity with the one million creative industry jobs that are now at risk of being lost amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Emblazoned with the words ‘throw us a line’, the art museum in London was among hundreds of venues across the UK to light its building in red in an effort to warn the government of the severity of the crisis.

The Throw Us A Line campaign hopes to raise awareness of the one million jobs in the entertainment industry which have been left in jeopardy and calls on urgent government support.

Tonight workers from the creative industries poured onto the banks of the River Thames to share their warning of the industry going into ‘red alert’.

The Tate Modern lit up in red tonight in an effort to show its solidarity with the one million creative industry jobs that are at risk of being lost

The art museum in the capital and Millenium Bridge lit up in red in solidarity with the Throw Us A Line campaign

The art museum in the capital and Millenium Bridge lit up in red in solidarity with the Throw Us A Line campaign

The red lights shone across the River Thames and the museum raised awareness of the plight of the creative industry

The red lights shone across the River Thames and the museum raised awareness of the plight of the creative industry

Elsewhere the Royal Festival Hall, the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre and Waterloo Bridge also illuminated in red to share their support of the campaign.    

Today event organisers encouraged attendees to wear red and use their phone screens as red torches as they arrived outside art venues.

Level 42’s Mark King and singer-songwriter Frank Turner were among those musicians who performed on a boat, which set off from Westminster Pier before making its way down the Thames as the buildings were illuminated.  

The campaign comes after a report last month from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee warned the UK risks becoming a ‘cultural wasteland’ because of the pandemic.

Artists including Peter Gabriel, The Cure and Imogen Heap have thrown their weight behind the campaign.

The event was part of the #WeMakeEvents series launched by the PLASA lighting and sound association.

Sharing their support behind the campaign The Cure said: ‘The events sector urgently needs Government support to survive the Covid-19 crisis.

‘Without major, immediate support from Government, the entire live events sector supply chain is at risk of collapse. 

Along the South Bank, County Hall also lit up in red to show its support with those whose jobs were now at risk due to the coronavirus pandemic

Along the South Bank, County Hall also lit up in red to show its support with those whose jobs were now at risk due to the coronavirus pandemic

The Royal Festival Hall in London was among hundreds of art venues across the UK to illuminate red

The Royal Festival Hall in London was among hundreds of art venues across the UK to illuminate red

The National Theatre and the Southbank Centre lit up in red to raise awareness for the entertainment industry which has been hit by the pandemic

The National Theatre and the Southbank Centre lit up in red to raise awareness for the entertainment industry which has been hit by the pandemic

‘The aim is to have financial support extended for the people and companies in this sector, until they can return to work.’

Peter Heath, managing director of PLASA, said: ‘The live events industry supply chain, essential to every single event in the UK, is set to completely collapse without financial support from the government, due to social distancing prohibiting mass events.

‘Large scale events are not expected to reopen until spring 2021 at the earliest, and the reality is that the sector can’t wait that long.

‘We’ve issued a red alert after using £WeMakeEvents because the sector is on its last legs, and now the whole industry is coming together to ask the Government to ‘throw us a line’.’ 

The campaign comes as the creative industry today took its first steps out of lockdown by hosting a series of performances.

Today thousands of revellers gathered at a socially-distanced gig at the Virgin Money Unity Arena, in Gosforth Park, Newcastle. 

Fans in groups of up to five people watched the show, which was attended by singer Singer Sam Fender, from separate viewing platforms at what the promoters said was the world’s first socially-distanced concert.

Thousands of revellers arrived to the Virgin Money Unity Arena, in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, today

Thousands of revellers arrived to the Virgin Money Unity Arena, in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, today

Fans were kept in separate pens to social distance ahead of the Sam Fender concert at the Virgin Money Unity Arena today

Fans were kept in separate pens to social distance ahead of the Sam Fender concert at the Virgin Money Unity Arena today

Revellers arrived in groups of up to five people and had to watch the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world's first socially-distanced gig

Revellers arrived in groups of up to five people and had to watch the show from 500 separate raised metal platforms at what the promoters say is the world’s first socially-distanced gig

Socially-distanced metal pens were put up for revellers ahead of the concert in Newcastle today

Socially-distanced metal pens were put up for revellers ahead of the concert in Newcastle today

The 500 raised enclosures and metal pens at Gosforth Park were 6.5ft apart to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus, and revellers were able to order food and drink. 

Helen Page, group brand and marketing director at Virgin Money, said: ‘We are delighted to play a part in bringing back live music events as we start to emerge from lockdown.

‘This feels like a unique opportunity to celebrate music and all the wonderful emotions that come with experiencing it live alongside other music fans.’

Meanwhile Zippos Circus put on its first show following the government’s easing of coronavirus restrictions in Brighton today.

People descended upon Hove Park to watch performers take to the stage once more after more than four months off the road.

A spokesperson for the circus said: ‘Zippos Circus is back on the road following a break due to COVID-19 with a Big Top tour Rebound! starring a diverse cast of thrilling artists from around the globe. The tour starts on 4 August 2020 and runs until end-October 2020.

‘The show will be presented by Zippos’ first female Ringmistress – Britain’s own Tracy Jones while our veteran Ringmaster Norman Barrett, 84, takes a break for this season due to COVID-19. 

‘Tracy will present a fast-moving spectacle like no other as astonishing acrobats and aerialists, comics and daredevil motorcyclists come together for this year’s colourful production.’ 

People leave the Zippos Circus after watching their show called "Rebound!" on its opening night, in Brighton

People leave the Zippos Circus after watching their show called ‘Rebound!’ on its opening night, in Brighton

Acrobats at Zippos Circus perform for the crowds on their opening night in Brighton today

Acrobats at Zippos Circus perform for the crowds on their opening night in Brighton today

Families arrive to watch the show Rebound! at the Zippos Circus on its opening night, in Brighton

Families arrive to watch the show Rebound! at the Zippos Circus on its opening night, in Brighton

Performers entertain the crowds on their opening night after more than four months off the road

Performers entertain the crowds on their opening night after more than four months off the road

People arrive to Hove Park in Brighton today to watch performers take to the stage once more

People arrive to Hove Park in Brighton today to watch performers take to the stage once more 

Performers put on a  show for the crowds on their opening night in Hover Park, Brighton

Performers put on a  show for the crowds on their opening night in Hover Park, Brighton

Martin Burton, Founder and Director of Zippos Circus: ‘I cannot tell you how pleased we are to be back on the road again. 

‘We have worked tirelessly with the government and public health authorities to get the show back on tour in line with official regulations and guidance and are now confident that we can do so in a COVID-secure manner. 

‘The outdoor nature of the circus and well ventilated Big Top plus socially distanced seating and a range of new hygiene and safety measures will all help ensure that Zippos Circus will be a safe place for both our performers and families to enjoy and we look forward to welcoming everybody to our new show.’     

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