On the heels of U.K. Minister of Care Helen Whately‘s comment that nightlife worker aid “doesn’t make sense,” a government and parliament petition is gaining significant traction. “Let Us Dance – Support nightclubs, dance music events and festivals,” as it’s titled, calls upon the government to provide greater financial assistance for such institutions.
The authors of the petition aligned it with the #LetUsDance campaign launched by the Night Time Industries Association in July. “The government has failed to provide specific support to UK festivals, dance venues and nightclubs,” reads a passage. “COVID-19 has hit hard on the nightlife sector having a major impact due to the suspension of mass gatherings.”
“Followed by unclear guidelines and a lack of commitment from the government, this has contributed to growing uncertainty within the arts sector, putting at risk millions of jobs,” it goes on. “The government must make clear its commitment to ensuring the dance community survives the pandemic.”
Following the launch of #LetUsDance, the U.K. government set aside £2.25 million of the previously announced £1.57 billion arts relief package specifically for music venues. Towards the end of the July, Arts Council England allocated £500 million more for a Culture Recovery Fund with special considerations for electronic music brands.
A surge in COVID-19 cases has discouraged nightlife professionals once again, however. On September 22nd, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a 10:00 PM curfew requirement for all bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
At the time of writing “Let Us Dance – Support nightclubs, dance music events and festivals” has amassed over 56,000 signatures; at 100,000 the matter will be considered for parliamentary debate. Learn more about the petition or sign it here.
Image credit: Dawid Labno
