Over 500 members of Northern Ireland's live event community have gathered in a socially-distanced display at Belfast's Custom House Square today, as they call on the government to support the events sector, and provide a roadmap which allows them to return to work.

Organised by We Make Events NI, the event saw workers from across the industry standing in solidarity – including riggers, sound engineers, tour managers and truck drivers. All those in attendance wore masks, and pre-registered for track-and-trace, as per government guidelines.

“The UK Government has offered a 33% wage top up in order to help navigate the next few months," commented events producer Dino Cafolla. "Our industry has not worked since mid-March, so 33% of nothing, is nothing.

“We’re showing MPs that not only are we the most qualified industry to keep people safe at events, but telling them that we’d like to work together on a roadmap which allows our workforce to return. A blanket ban on all events has, in certain circumstances, resulted in illegal, unsafe gatherings by the general public. This only further hinders our industry's financial recovery.”

Thank you for joining us!

Today at Belfast’s Custom House Square, over 500 members of the live events community gathered in a socially distanced, Covid-compliant display.

100 squares were marked out for those unable to join.

Photo: Carrie Davenport pic.twitter.com/GV34POIGxC

— WeMakeEvents - Northern Ireland (@Wemakeeventsni) September 25, 2020

Great turnout and socially distanced protest organised by @Wemakeeventsni at Custom House Square earlier. Our live events sector plays a huge role culturally in Northern Ireland. They need our support. #WeMakeEventsNI pic.twitter.com/Lc9VlT5pSf

— Cllr Brian Smyth (@Briansmyth99) September 25, 2020

370 + of some of the most talented people I know in the Live Music Business in NI had a socially distanced gathering at @CHSqBelfast for #wemakeeventsni 🤘🏻🎶 pic.twitter.com/oxYBPH1kC5

— Jon (@moosetronix) September 25, 2020

Great support from local band @ashofficial #WeMakeEventsNI @Wemakeeventsni https://t.co/wLBo1mHAxj

— SSE Arena Belfast (@SSEBelfastArena) September 22, 2020