By Greg Evans, Digital Music Editor
Venues in Bristol, from Pryzm to The Love Inn, have joined major artists like Massive Attack to voice their support for the campaign.
A new campaign called #LetUsDance is urging the UK government to act now in order to ensure the future of dance music in the UK.
Yesterday, 23 July, saw members from every part of the dance music community post a photo on social media of their last dance music experience before lockdown using the banner #LetUsDance.
With posts from world renowned DJs, grassroots venues and avid fans alike, there is a clear feeling of solidarity in the campaign’s call for increased government support during the coronavirus pandemic.
L E T U S D A N C E
— Roni Size (@ronisizebristol) July 23, 2020
The dance music industry needs support. Times are tough but if we stand together we can overcome. Please share this campaign and any videos or images from past gigs together with the hashtag and let’s make ourselves heard! #LetUsDance pic.twitter.com/IeJwrc9L4G
On July 5th the government announced a £1.57 billion support package for the UK arts and culture sector. The sum will be split across ‘Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues’.
Controversially, both nightclubs and festivals have been excluded from the package for emergency funding, while freelance actors and musicians also stand exempt from financial support.
There are in excess of 1600 nightclubs in the UK, with the night-time economy contributing some £66 billion per annum to domestic GDP. Among their appeals, #LetUsDance calls for sector specific grants, an extension of the furlough scheme and increased support for the self-employed.
Venues across Bristol, from Pryzm to The Love Inn, have joined major artists like Massive Attack, Four Tet and Maya Jane Coles to voice their support for the campaign. With dance music being an intrinsic part of life for so many across Bristol, government support for venues is critical to maintaining the city’s music scene.
Bristol-born Drum and Bass pioneer Roni Size has tweeted: ‘We have to make sure that the UK Government includes our nightclub venues, dance festivals (and all the businesses & artists involved) in its financial support plans. Clubs are being forgotten and the discussion on festivals remains unclear. WE NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT! I want to see you back on the dance floor soon.’
As some venues begin to re-open across the city, it is hoped that government support will protect the industry and ensure the future of dance music in Bristol.
Featured: #LetUsDance
Will you support the #LetUsDance campaign?
