Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales is backing an initiative to help save the live music industry in Wales.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, is supporting a new campaign and urging the Welsh Government to let the music play across Wales once again.
He said: “Over the last two months I have been constantly calling on the First Minister to ease restrictions more quickly in Wales, but my pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Mark Drakeford continues to move at a slower pace than England which has caused endless frustration and confusion for many.
“Pubs and restaurants opened in England last Saturday, both inside and out, yet in Wales they can only open outside and not until July 13. We will lose thousands of jobs in the hospitality sector if this continues.
“Like all other industries, the Welsh live music industry is in crisis. Virtual all major events have been cancelled. Venues from theatres and concert halls to clubs and pubs, are closed for entertainment with virtually no prospect of re-opening in the foreseeable future.
“Our local artists, whether performing on a national or local stage, need urgent help to secure their future. Without serious support there is a danger that many venues will be forced to close their doors permanently with a massive loss of jobs.
“Of course, we must behave sensibly but we are adults and deserve to be treated as such. Vulnerable members of society, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, need to isolate and social distancing is sensible for everyone. However, there needs to be a clear plan with a proper timetable for those businesses which need help.”
The ‘Let the music play’ campaign has been launched by UK Music and the rest of the music industry as the sector faces a real crisis.
With events such as the Green Man Festival to the Wales International Harp Festival, without action globally renowned arenas as well as over 90% of much loved grassroots live music venues face closing their doors permanently.
From the loss of music tourism alone, the Welsh economy stands to lose £93 million by the end of 2020. According to ‘Music by Numbers 2019 Report’ music tourism alone is worth £124 million per year to the Welsh economy and supports 1,754 jobs.
Local gigs and concerts are set to be lost if action is not taken. Now members of the Welsh Parliament are being urged to support the campaign by calling for – a clear conditional timeline for reopening venues without social distancing; an immediate comprehensive business and employment support package and full VAT exemption on ticket sales.
