THE Backstage Centre, Purfleet, is literally on red alert as it supports a music industry campaign backed by some of the most iconic industry figures, including legendary figure Peter Gabriel.

The venue, which has provided rehearsal facilities for some of the biggest musical artists in the world, will be illuminated in red tomorrow night (Wednesday, 30 September) night to symbolise the industry's current struggle.

The aim is to highlight the need for Government support because of the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on live events venues - and the people and professionals who work within them and alongside them.

Around the world arts and event venues will be illuminated tomorrow between 8 and 11pm to highlight the issue.

Brian Warrens, director of the Backstage Centre, said: "We are committed to supporting the hard-working companies, freelance professionals, supply chain and everyone in front of, and behind the scenes."

"Until we can go back to work, and the industry is allowed to operate in a way that is not limited by social distancing, we are calling on the Government for:

• Grants - not loans - made available to businesses in the events supply chain to give companies the flexibility to allocate financial resources where they need it most, to keep their business afloat and to enable them to keep employees, adding value to the UK economy and culture in the future.

• A specific job support scheme for live events supply chain until the government guidelines change on social distancing to allow a commercially viable return to work. This is to allow employers to retain highly skilled people in preparation for a return to work; to support the freelance community, including single director companies; and to support all those excluded by the current government eligibility criteria. This will help us to be ready to kickstart the industry and hence the UK economy.

Singer Peter Gabrielhas lent his support, saying: "A lot of high arts have now been given some support, but people working on the festival side of things and in live events have been forgotten about, and I hope they are not forgotten about any longer. Around the UK they've created something which I think is the best in the world.

"Many of these people are freelancers, so don't fall under furlough schemes. So right now, they are feeling the pinch very badly and if we want live events and festivals to stay an important British business then it needs to be supported."