We Make Events Hits £500K milestone

The We Make Events campaign, which was launched last year to help support the live events industry through the challenges of the pandemic, has today (September 23) announced that is has hit its £500,000 fundraising goal.

Over the past 18 months, We Make Events has been committed to those in the industry that have been most heavily impacted by the devastating effects of the pandemic.

The milestone was reached during the PLASA Show 2021 which returned earlier this month (September 5-7) a two-year hiatus. The event saw We Make Events host a dedicated hub to promote wellbeing and mental health throughout the live sector, featuring several industry charities and initiatives. The hub welcomed a steady stream of visitors across the three days.

80% of the funds raised have gone directly to Backup, the campaign’s chosen industry charity which supports professionals throughout the technical entertainment industry in times of ill health or financial need. Backup then pushes crucial funds to Acting For Others, Music Support, Stage Hand and Make It Blue UK, each providing specially designed services to guide and support.

Matt Lloyd, charities and sponsorship co-ordinater for We Make Events, commented: “It is a fantastic achievement to have reached half a million – something that would have been impossible without the generosity of the people. The We Make Events team is truly humbled by the support we have received along this journey, showing that the live events supply chain is a valid and viable part of the cultural sector. It is with this financial support that our industry’s companies and workforce can get back to doing what they love best and show the world why live events and entertainment are not only important, but crucial to society.”

Headliner spoke to PLASA managing director Peter Heath about the return of the PLASA show, which he hailed as a major success.

“This year’s PLASA Show really has exceeded all expectations, considering how the live sector has suffered over the past 18 months,” Heath told Headliner. “The organisation of the show certainly had its challenges, with a reduced budget and much shorter time frame. However, looking around the show, the PLASA team can be very proud of themselves.

“I must give a huge amount of credit to the exhibitors too, who have also been financially constrained, yet continued to innovate throughout the pandemic, displaying this to full effect at Olympia London.”

For more information on We Make Events and how to contribute to the cause, visit https://www.wemakeevents.com/charity.