The Survival Tour tunes in with live events
- Details
It was a bitter-sweet experience for the riders, both physically and psychologically, as Proper Productions’ Mark Ward explains: “Without any events to work on, we clipped our barely trained legs into our pedals, to highlight the dire plight of our industry. It was inspiring to bring together the venues and people along our route and hear tales of their personal circumstances and battles first hand. The support has been fantastic, raising awareness through local and national media coverage and fundraising over £30,000 for the Backup charity, which is still open for donations.
He adds: “This week’s Cliff Edge Report has been widely reported, it highlighted that the forced closure of events will have cost 170,000 jobs in the live music industry, that’s 100 jobs for each kilometre cycled, which is a very humbling thought.”
This Survival Tour set out to replace the live tours the cyclists would normally have been working on. Their experiences and the fact that there is no end in sight to the crisis for the sector has inspired them to take their messages forward.
Loud Sound’s Steve Reynolds, one of the riders, comments: “Live events is going to lose 80% of its skilled people, while most industries will see a 20% impact, so we want to support those affected and keep campaigning for financial relief beyond the Cultural Recovery Fund. That was helpful to those it reached but has missed out so many. We are keen to build on our momentum working with the various campaigning industry bodies for improved support for companies and freelancers affected, while creating a viable roadmap to re-open live events in a safe, professionally managed way.
He continues: “The live events industry knows how to look after people and keep them safe, so with processes such as audience testing to enable full capacity events, measures such as government backed insurance (like the film & TV industry), anti-COVID technologies and efficient logistics we hope to accelerate a safe return to business. I’d also like to give a huge shout out to the many people who supported us on this journey. In particular the amazing Chrissie Gilbert (our tour manager) and Lou Kovacs (Comms), along with Crosslands Bussing and the team at #WeMakeEvents.”
As tired legs recuperate, there is a little time to reflect on The Survival Tour and navigate the uncertain journey towards the event industry’s future.
To help keep that future alive for the many out of work and struggling to survive, please remember the personal pleasure of your favourite shows and please donate what you can or treat yourself or a friend to some of the #WeMakeEvents merchandise available.
