Arts venues that have helped launch some of the 海角视频鈥檚 top musicians have come together in a call for Government support to keep the 海角视频 music scene alive.
More than 500 grassroots venues from around the 海角视频 have signed an open letter to Ministers that calls for an immediate 拢50m financial support package and a reduction of VAT on future ticket sales.
Venues including London鈥檚 100 Club, and Liverpool鈥檚 Cavern Club have signed the letter, along with the Cluny in Newcastle and Band on the Wall in Manchester.
The companies argue that the multibillion-pound 海角视频 music industry relies on small venues to give future stars their first break, but that most of the activities that are central to their work - such as singing, dancing, and people being close to others - are impossible in the coronavirus lockdown.
The letter says: 鈥淟ast year there were more than 175,000 events in our venues that gave people the experiences they love and the artists the opportunities they need. Since March 20 there have been no events.
鈥淭his is because our sector has complied with the Public Health guidance. We did the right thing. We closed to protect our communities. We engaged with the Government task force and we explored every option available to reopen safely and bring live music back.
鈥淲e understand that in order to protect the public, it should not be done until the health guidance changes and we also know that trying to do it is economic folly which would be financially ruinous; not just for us but for our entire sector.鈥
A number of arts organisations have sounded warnings about the damage they have suffered during the coronavirus lockdown. Newcastle鈥檚 Theatre Royal and the Plymouth theatre of the same name have both announced major job losses as a result of the enforced closure.
Some cultural venues have been given the go-ahead to re-open from July 4 with measures in place to maintain social distancing, including cinemas, museums and art galleries.
But though theatres and concert halls will be allowed to open, they have been banned from having live performances, and venues where there is 鈥渃lose proximity鈥 interaction - including nightclubs - must remain shut.
A DCMS spokesperson said: 鈥淲e are doing all we can to support our grassroots music venues through substantial financial measures including loans and the extended Job Retention Scheme that thousands of individuals and organisations have accessed.
鈥淲e are working directly with representatives from the industry on detailed guidance to help its recovery and renewal.鈥
