The UK dance music industry is urging the government to include it in its support package, while tickets for the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party are being withdrawn due to COVID-19…
Dance music
The dance music industry has called on the UK government to recognise it as part of culture in parity with the wider live music sector to ensure access to support.
The government has so far not included nightclubs, dance music events, and festivals in the allocation of the £1.57bn cultural support package.
The Let Us Dance campaign is supported by a host of artists including Adam Beyer, Caribou, Four Tet, Massive Attack, and Thom Yorke.
Michael Kill, chief executive of Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), welcomed the latest support package, but said: “We are keen to gain assurances from DCMS and Government that dance music venues and nightclubs will be eligible to apply for the funding and that it will not be reserved purely for venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the West End. The UK is home to a rich and diverse range of institutions, all of whom should be fairly entitled to this investment.”
Greg Marshall, general manager, Association For Electronic Music (AFEM), urged the government to recognise the sector as a “significant part” of the nation’s art and culture, and ensure fair and equal access to the support provided.
Ben Sebborn, Skiddle co-founder added: “We’ve been working closely with dance music venues, festivals and promoters for almost 20 years, and it’s safe to say the sector has never faced a crisis like this.
“By its nature electronic music has always been viewed as more underground and separate, but there’s no denying its economic value, which runs into the billions, not to mention the vital social and cultural importance of dancing, community and togetherness. Electronic music is an art form – equal to ballet, opera, theatre – and for that reason it deserves full support and recognition from this government.”
Edinburgh Hogmanay
Organisers of the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party have withdrawn tickets from sale due to pressures related to COVID-19.
Underbelly said the New Year’s Eve event could not take place in its usual way due to the restrictions of the pandemic.
Tickets have been on sale since the start of 2020, and those who purchased tickets will be offered a refund.
The Hogmanay programme will be announced in August, but tickets will no longer be available for sale.
In 2019, a crowd of more than 75,000 attended the celebrations, which were headlined by Mark Ronson.
A statement issued by Underbelly said: “As has been reported, exciting and positive discussions are taking place between the City of Edinburgh Council and Underbelly in relation to the Hogmanay programme for 2020.
“However, it is clear to all parties that the famous Street Party cannot take place in its current form in 2020 and tickets are today being taken off sale.
“Customers who have booked tickets will be contacted in the next 14 days to be offered a full refund.”
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