Light It In Red/Throw Us A Line

by | Aug 15, 2020

The live event trade body the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) hosted a number of events up and down the country calling on the Government to help the event industry through the COVID-19 crisis under the banner THROW US A LINE! Seven hundred and fifteen buildings and venues across the UK were lit up red, tying in with the red alert message as the events industry continues to suffer. The main event was in London with the banks of the Thames and many buildings cast in a red glow.

 (Simon Partington)

I went to The Forum in Tunbridge Wells, my local venue to lend my support by just being there. At 8 p.m. the event started as the skies began to darken with a video on a big screen with a wide range of industry workers, figureheads and performers all relating their experiences, and concerns for the future for themselves and the industry, particularly all the support staff.

 (Simon Partington)

At 8.40 audio consultant Roland Hemming who was the local event organiser gave an impassioned speech, outlining the figures, financial and human of an industry on brink of collapse. It was first to shut and will be the last to return. Even the DCMS has said the current crisis is…..’the biggest threat to cultural infrastructure, institutions and workforce for a generation”.

 (Simon Partington)

At the end of Roland’s speech the screen was cut to a live feed from the boat on the Thames at the London event.

 (Simon Partington)

There were some speeches from leading industry figures and behind the scenes manufacturers and suppliers before we were treated to a live performance by Frank Turner who’s opening comments again reinforced the numbers of people who are unseen who make the events we love happen. He performed an impassioned I Still Believe with the apt lyric ‘who’d have thought something as simple as rock n’ roll could save us all’. As if to emphasise the importance of crews his guitar strap came unhitched and pulled the jack cord out of his guitar. Level 42’s Mark King was on hand and saved the performance as Frank carried on to finish the song.

 (Simon Partington)

Appropriately in a captain’s hat Mark himself then took centre stage for an unaccustomed solo spot on bass and vocals to a backing track, with again a small technical fail delaying the start by a few seconds. His unmistakable punchy slappy bass was to the fore on Running In The Family. Some of the crowd on the lawn at Tunbridge Wells were up and dancing by the end of the song. The moment was continued with Lessons In Love before the live link was dropped and the video’s of various speakers continued.

 (Simon Partington)

It was great to see the support for the venue and the wider industry with many people dressed in red. Live events will inevitably suffer but as long as people demonstrate they care there’s a hope the damage can be minimized, and next year we’ll all be back gigging and festivalling. Without public support the harm could be irreparable, so when you see the next local event in support of our cultural and event industries please show your support, go along and cheer.

 (Simon Partington)

Words & Photography by Simon Partington at Light It In Red/Throw Us A Line at The Forum, Tunbridge Wells on 11th August 2020

Yungblud (Tom Pallant)

YUNGBLUD Announces Bold Fourth Studio Album ‘Idols’

British rock trailblazer Dominic Harrison – AKA YUNGBLUD – has officially announced his highly anticipated fourth...
Reef (Press)

REEF Celebrate 30 Years Of ‘Replenish’ With UK Anniversary Tour

In a year packed with big anniversaries and nostalgic reunions, one of Britain’s most beloved rock acts is marking a...
Wolf Alice (Press)

Wolf Alice Return With Euphoric New Single ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’

London’s genre-defying quartet Wolf Alice have returned in full bloom with their new single, Bloom Baby Bloom—a vibrant, effervescent track that signals a fresh chapter for one of Britain’s most dynamic modern rock bands. Released after a period of relative silence since their Mercury Prize-winning 2021 album Blue Weekend, the single has sent ripples through the alternative scene, sparking excitement about what might be next for the group.

Pet Needs (Vanessa Söllner)

Pet Needs Are Primetime Entertainment At The Old Church

It’s lunchtime in sunny Stoke Newington, the part of London that really feels like a village. Most of the crowd lined up outside the historic Old Church are making this the first stop on their weekend, and as they mingle among the old tombstones with beers in hand, the anticipation is fizzing in the air. For the fourth year in a row, Pet Needs are about to kick off their Fractured Party weekender, and we’ve so far beyond ready for it.

Alice Phoebe Lou @ Roundhouse (Sam Eve)

Alice Phoebe Lou Enchants London At The Roundhouse

On Friday, 2nd May, 2025, the Roundhouse in London played host to a spellbinding performance by South African-born...
Lizzie Esau @ The Grace (Kalpesh Patel

Lizzie Esau Unleashes Explosive New Single ‘Bugs’ — A Dark, Defiant Step Forward From A Rockshot Favourite

Rockshot Magazine favourite Lizzie Esau continues her rapid ascent through the UK’s alt-rock landscape with the release of her most accomplished single to date, Bugs. A darkly euphoric track filled with emotional grit and lyrical nuance, Bugs sees the 25-year-old Newcastle native confront the chaos of creative self-doubt with ferocity — and catharsis.

EMMMA (João Viegas)

EMMMA Finds Power In Heartache With Stirring New Single ‘Wednesday’s Child’

EMMMA is no stranger to vulnerability — but with her latest single, Wednesday’s Child, the rising UK-based alt-pop artist turns raw emotion into a seismic act of self-empowerment. Released as the next step toward her second EP, the track is a defining moment in her artistic evolution: darker, bolder, and more emotionally fearless than anything she’s released before.

Jon Allen (Michael Walker)

Jon Allen Unearths Gritty Past Of 18th Century London With Immersive New Album ‘Seven Dials’

British singer-songwriter Jon Allen invites listeners into the fog-shrouded streets and shadowy corners of 18th century London with his latest album, Seven Dials. Known for his earthy blend of folk, blues, and Americana, Allen trades modern-day themes for a haunting historical portrait that’s as cinematic as it is emotionally raw.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing