Night-time economy to protest against ongoing Government restrictions with #FreedomToDance march
The decision to demonstrate follows the Government's recent decision to postpone the final easing of lockdown restrictions in England by four weeks, meaning much of the night-time economy, which has primarily been shut since the start of the pandemic, will be forced to stay closed until at least 19 July.
Led by electronic music community campaign group Save Our Scene (SOS), the march is supported by SaveNightlife CIC - the Night Time Industries Association's (NTIA) cultural arm.
Kai Cant, the founder of record label Abode, came to SOS with the initial idea for the demonstration, and has since rallied DJs from across all corners of the scene to come together under the rallying cry of #FreedomToDance.
The march will depart from Marble Arch at 12pm on Sunday (27 June), making its way to Parliament, with DJ sets from the likes of Alan Fitzpatrick, Eats Everything, East End Dubs, Fat Tony, Franky Wah, Hannah Wants, Jess Bays, Max Chapman, Charlie Tee, Kizzy Alicia, SUAT, Seb Zito, SOSA, Waff, Summer Ghemati, and Wheats.
“Some might ask, why protest now, it’s only four weeks away," says Cant.
"To which I answer, if we stay silent, this will present a greater potential for the Government to delay again and again. We have run many polls over the past two days, which shows on average 90% of the population don’t believe they will lift all restrictions on 19 July.
"This shows a complete lack of confidence, so that is why we are here."
A recent flash survey of 300 night-time economy businesses, carried out by the NTIA, revealed that a quarter of business are facing imminent closure as a result of the ongoing restrictions and lack of financial support from Government.
“The Government has consistently marginalised our sector, we have had to fight for every bit of support and engagement throughout the pandemic," says Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA.
"We have been continually targeted by the Government and excluded within every announcement.
"Our industry is recognised and valued across the world, yet undervalued by our own Government. It’s time to push back and show the power of electronic music and the night-time economy through its greatest asset, its people."
