Wigan arts venue turns red for national campaign supporting entertainment industry

The Edge, in the Pier Quarter, was lit red last night in a national campaign involving well-known venues such as The Ritz in Manchester, the Tate Modern and National Theatre.

The #LightItInRed initiative from the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) aimed to highlight the impact the coronavirus has had on the live events industry and the many people employed in the sector.

It is calling for grants, rather than loans, for businesses and extensions to both the furlough scheme and the self-employment scheme, so workers will have support until they can return to events.

Retweeting images of The Edge lit in red, Alison McKenzie-Folan, chief executive of Wigan Council, said: "Thank you to all the team @LeisuretecUK for showing support to the industry #LightInRed you are all so vital to the live events and arts/cultural sector - clarity and support still needed for those employed."