Venues in 25 nations light up red to back #WeMakeEvents initiative

More than 2,300 venues, landmarks and buildings across the world were illuminated in red light on Wednesday evening as part of the #WeMakeEvents campaign to recognise the impact of COVID-19 on the global entertainment and events industry.

Starting with venues in New Zealand and continuing through locations in Australia, the Philippines, India, South Africa, Greece, Turkey, Poland, Austria, Norway, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile and the USA, thousands of friends, colleagues and supporters around the world in 25 countries united in their belief in the live events and entertainment industry and their determination to safeguard its future.

Commenting on the support, organisers advised “what a sensational display it was … even when we are not allowed to put on a show, we put on a show.

“Thank you so much to everyone who participated, from New Zealand all the way to Chile.”

Reporting “incredible engagement on social media”, tripling its followers on Instagram and “trending in the top five on Twitter for much of the day”, the organisers went on to advise that the momentum will keep going.

In the UK, this will see The Survival Tour and the #WeMakeEvents - Keep Music Alive, a classical music creative event which will take place in London, Manchester and Birmingham from today (Friday 6th October).

Among Australian venues, The Events Centre, Sunshine Coast (TEC) turned red in support of venues, theatres, live events, technicians and everyone involved in the live events industry.

TEC General Manager, Steve Romer commented “the campaign is an amazing show of comradery and support for our industry during these challenging times.”

TEC is one of only a handful of Queensland theatres who have reopened their doors following the introduction of a COVIDSafe Plan which includes social distancing, sanitisation protocols, contact tracing, and a range of new procedures endorsed by the Queensland Government.    

Images show The Events Centre, Sunshine Coast illuminated on Wednesday night. Courtesy of The Events Centre, Sunshine Coast.