It has been almost a year since the first lockdown. A year since live events have not been allowed to take place. A year that people working in the live event supply chain have had no way to earn their living – and faced an uncertain future.
But the Government can’t see us, and all too often, we have been excluded from their support schemes – leaving us without the help we’ve needed to survive since our industry closed down, and without a pathway to reopening.
Here are just some of the thousands of people whose livelihoods have been hit so hard by the pandemic.
You can see them, but the Government can’t.
Bonnie Stainer
DJ
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Freyja Lawson
Live Audio Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Stephen Hughes
Crew
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Gaby Bracamonte
Performer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Sarah Rhodes
Business Owner
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Neil Townend
Company Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Paul Fulcher
Rigging
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Donald Stuart
Coach Driver
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Adam Davidge
Rigger
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Dave Moore
Production Rigger and Festival Site Crew
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Marc Langley
Audio, Comms and RF Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Peter Lambert
Theatrical Production Electrician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Mario Martinez
Owner and Sound and Light Operator
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Nicky Aubury
Exhibition Stand Builder
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Janet Noles
Event Production
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Matt Lloyd
Manufactures Representative
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -50%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Matthew Day
Logistics, Project and Event Management
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Neil Hunt
MD of Stage Lighting Business
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Mervyn Diese
Road Crew / Performing Artist
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Megan Williamson
Sound Engineer & Studio Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Matthew Phillips
Stage Builder Rigger
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Adam Hall
Rigger
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Sarah Buckmaster
Production Manager, Equipment Hire, Technical Support
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Seamus Fenton
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Annaliza Bullock
Entertainment Supplier
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Kim Chappell
Producer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -50%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
William Frostman
Lighting
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Mike Wilson
Founder of the East Anglican Festival Network
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
John Ashton
Rigger
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Jon Wilding
Operations & Equipment Supply
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Toby Gunter
Event Radio Company MD
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Tom Tunney
Technical Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Wayne Croft
Stage Set Manufacturing Company
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Peter Orwin
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Stephen Kellaway
Lighting Programmer, Operator & Tech
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Gavin Eldridge
Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Roger Davis
Guitar / Backline Tech
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Ben Bailes
Lighting and Immersive Design
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Katie Hester
Accessibility Specialist
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Dan Harman
Exhibition Contractor
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Jasmine Williams
Lighting Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -20%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Malcolm Greig
Project Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Susie Reid Thomas
Prop Rental & Styling
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Nigel Brown
Tour Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Toca Gabrava
Production Manager / Crew
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Eligible. But was refused.
Bob Scattergood
Project Manager Online & Digital Content
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Michael Heggett
Production Electrician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Tom Hoyle
Promoter
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Oliver Last
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Andrew Reid Thomas
Prop Hire
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Paddy Watson
Lighting Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Francisco Sanchez
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Jamie Friday
Production Rigger
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Josh Heyburn
Business Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Shaun Bradley
Trucking & Transport
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Joel Williams
Freelance Lighting Designer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Nick Barton
Lighting Crew Chief
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Richard Seller
Monitor Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Peran Odgers
Production Rigger
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Cristina De Lama
Radio Mic Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Dan Jones
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Lee Hunter
Video Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Liza Heinrichs
Photographer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Nikola Milosevic
DJ Organiser
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Nicky Pretious
Sound Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Marcus Ackford
Small Business Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Lewis Atkinson
Projectionist / Video Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Jon Shrimpton
Video Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Kevin Moran
Audio Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Maria Torres
Artist Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Chris Walker
Project / Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Joe Turner
AV Hire Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Jack Broom
Artist Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Eligible. But was refused.
Stuart Cross
Lighting Programmer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Max Taylor
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
David White
Backline Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Andrew Bishop
Loudspeaker Design, Manufacture & Supply
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
David Rose
Specialist Manufacturer / Service Business (Software)
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Amos Christoe
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Ben Fawcett
Managing Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Lynette Flynn
Logistics Manager / Producer / Project Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Ian Lamb
Stage Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Glyn O'Donoghue
Lighting Distributor
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Philip Norfolk
Equipment Supplier
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Howard Lane
Musician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Maggie Mouzakitis
Event / Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -50%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Bryan Raven
MD of Technical Supply Company
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Richard Penhaligon
Project and Site Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Nick Jevons
Lighting Designer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Nicholas Whitehead
Equipment Specification & Event Design
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Alan Haggarty
Front of House Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Simon Friend
Musician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Roger Parker
Project Manager (Logistics)
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Scott Jameson
Event Infrastructure Supplier
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -50%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Mark Edmondson
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -50%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Mark Johnson
Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Eligible. But was refused.
Jane Coulston
Creating Productions & Entertainment for Events
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Gary Laing
Lighting Designer / Stage Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Richard Maides
Event Producer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Allan Drake
Stage Management / Crew Chief
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Louise Hodgson
Specialist Water Feature Suppliers
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Heather Penn
Accounting
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
John Penn
Business Management
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Celia Gaze
Managing Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
George Saladze
Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Sarah Moss
Event Organiser
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Janine Mccretton
Food Safety, Zone Manager, SM
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Rebecca Larsen
Musician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
James Maillardet
Production Manager (Touring Live Music)
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Ethan Allen
Musician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Jonathan Arnold
Festival and Event Trader
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -50%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Nick Dugdale-Moore
Exhibition Association
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -20%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Garry Mackenzie
Stage Manager, Tour Manager, Audio & Backline Tech
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Tim Porter
Rigger
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Richard Nicholson
Account Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Daniel Smith
Production Management & Dry Hire
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Rebecca Nutter
Staging & Structure Contractor
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Mollie Love
Ticketing
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Jonathan Bennett
Video Technician / Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Steve Allan
Company Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Victoria Watson
Event Production Company
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Eligible. But was refused.
Chris Walker
Project / Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Joe Meekums
Tour Manager / Sound Engineer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Charlie Vanstone
Tour Management
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Matthew Dowden
Lighting Design
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Vince Foster
Lighting Designer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Kyle Byatt
Lifting, Rigging Equipment & Inspections and Maintenance
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Rory Madden
Managing Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Eligible. But was refused.
Christine Cavanaugh
Standhand , LX Op & Spot Op
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Willow Findlay
Video Technician / Production Co-ordinator
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Bruno Brito
Lighting Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -20%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Paul Yates
Project Management / Designer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Steven Rusling
Lighting Crew
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Wob Roberts
Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Charles Boxhall
Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Dick Tee
Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Patrick Farr
Lighting Designer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Chris Markland
Tour Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Phil Murphy
Production / Stage Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
David Bartlett
AV
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Dominic Peek
Security Guard
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Bryan Grant
Audio Supplier
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Charlie Charlton
Artist, Tour & Event Management
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Jonnie Lewis
Director of Bus Company
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Eligible. But was refused.
Philip Hamilton
Tour Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Barry Branford
Lighting Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
James Kelly
Software Developer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -50%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Dave Salt
Tour & Production Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Neil Rudram
Manager, Venue Sales & Marketing
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Dik Welland
Lighting & Video Repair
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Davey Nellist
Actor
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Stephen Hughes
Crew
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Chaz Herwin
Technician
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
David Steel
Crew
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Not eligible.
Matt Arthur
Lighting Designer / Programmer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Less than furlough.
Bob Collinson
Rental House
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -100%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Richard Dodgson
Agency / Event Producer
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -75%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Alex Brown
Live Sound Engineer & Project Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Peter Edmonds
Production Management
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Loans only.
Liz Brookes
Director
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Limited grant support. Not nearly enough.
Amanda Westerby-Sissons
Business Manager
Income reduction over the last 12 months: -90%
Government support since COVID: Eligible. But was refused.
A survey conducted this year found that 93% of individuals and businesses in the live event supply chain have seen their income fall dramatically as a result of the pandemic – 65% have seen a fall of over 50%, and 30% a fall of over 90%.
As a result, 50% of individuals have had to take work outside of live events to supplement their income. A third have been forced to leave – or are considering leaving – the sector. On top of that, 43% of live event supply chain businesses say they don’t have the resources to last until the summer.
This makes us one of the most heavily impacted sectors from the pandemic, but despite this we have received practically no targeted Government support. Put simply, the Government clearly can’t see the desperate human and economic impact the pandemic has had on the live event supply chain.
Thank you for taking the time to write to your MP about the live event supply chain. Here are some helpful tips:
• Tell them why you are writing to them – the Government can’t see the live event supply chain, so we aren’t getting the targeted support we need from Government to survive the pandemic, nor is there a realistic plan for reopening. You want them to use their power and influence to change that.
• Tell them why you are supporting our campaign. Let them know why the live event supply chain is important to you.
• Include examples. If you work in the live event supply chain and have seen your income drop, or if you’ve been excluded from support, talk about it. If you know someone in this situation, share their story. If you just want to go to an event again, whether that’s a wedding, a festival, a conference or any other type of live event, say why.
• Be polite! While the temptation will perhaps exist to ‘emphasise’ your message, it’s all to easily ignored if the language used is anything less than civil.
Thanks for writing a letter. We wrote our own letter to Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
