Hamilton will be one of the first cities in the world to
recognise the impact of COVID-19 on the entertainment and
events sector, as part of a global day of action on
Wednesday September 30 (#WeMakeEventsNZ Day of
Action).

Tomorrow, venues all over the
world will light up red in support of the thousands of
people who work in an industry hit hard by lockdowns and
mass gathering limits. In Hamilton, it is estimated there
are thousands of people involved in the events sector who
have seen their jobs impacted.

The wave
of red will start in New Zealand at 8pm and slowly move
around the globe.

“Here in Hamilton, our own local
performers, venues and the events industry have all felt the
impact of the pandemic. We’re not immune and our own
people are hurting,” Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate
said.

“Lockdowns, social distancing and travel
restrictions have had a huge impact on the industry and its
people. While many of us have been able to work from home or
adapt, people who work in events and hospitality simply
haven’t had that option.

“As a city,
we’re doing our very best to keep events happening in our
city and while the challenges aren’t over, I’m
optimistic. But I really feel for people who, through no
fault of their own, have had the rug pulled out from
underneath them.”

To show its support,
Council’s H3 events arm has organised three Hamilton
locations to light up in red on Wednesday night. A number of
city performance and entertainment businesses are also
getting behind the global initiative.

“We hope it
will remind everyone about our performers, venues and events
and how important it is that those of us who can support the
local industry, do so,” said Mayor
Southgate.

Hamilton and Waikato Tourism chief
executive Jason Dawson says it’s important as a region we
collectively acknowledge the importance of our events
industry and show our support to all those who have been
severely impacted by COVID-19.

“Hamilton and Waikato
are the fourth largest region in New Zealand for hosting
business events, conferences and exhibitions which provide
educational and professional benefit. Major events help
drive domestic visitation into the region and are crucial to
leading our social and economic recovery.”

“Events
make people feel proud of where they live, provide
connection in a social or business setting, deliver
entertainment, plus inspire us when we need it most,” said
Dawson.

The following locations will light up from
8pm:

• Claudelands Events Centre – Heaphy Rd
frontage will be lit in up in red.
• FMG Stadium
Waikato – the #WeMakeEvents logo will be displayed on the
outdoor screens at the back of the Wel Networks stand and
the stand will be lit up in red.
• Victoria Street
Bridge – the city bridge on Anzac Parade will be lit up in
red.

Hamilton City Council has registered its
activities with the #WeMakeEventsNZ Day of Action so the
city’s support has a chance of being included in global
coverage of the worldwide #wemakeevents movement.

Click
here for more
information

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