Festival Congress 2019
The Festival Congress is AIF’s annual flagship event, a two day conference and Independent Festival Awards and the largest gathering of independent festival organisers in the UK, with between 350-400 industry delegates expected to attend in 2019. Following five consecutive sold-out events from the event’s inception in 2014, the Congress has rapidly evolved to become a fixture and must attend event in the festival industry calendar.
This year, Festival Congress is once again taking place in Sheffield on 6th and 7th November. The conference element will be held across both the Abbeydale Picturehouse Cinema & Social, and the evening celebration/awards at 92 Burton Road, followed by an after show party.
The conference has a progressive and innovative format, including high profile keynotes, engaging panel sessions, TED x style quick fire talks, breakout workshops and fireside chats with experts and inspiring personalities from across the festival and events world and beyond.
Speakers this year include Rock n Roll Photographer Jill Furmanovsky, Bing Jones (Extinction Rebellion), Chris Sheldrick (What3Words), Rebecca Wrigley (Rewilding Britain), Bert Cole (Arcadia Spectacular), Dr Jen Otter Bickerdike (Author and Cultural Historian) and Rob da Bank’s ‘A to Z of festivals’ live podcast featuring Deershed.
Discounted tickets for PSA members are £166.50 for the entire event with this link- https://festival-congress-2019.eventbrite.co.uk?discount=OBLIVION, find out more about the event here-www.festivalcongress.com
Blackout mental health research planned at PLASA 2019. Friday 13th September 2019
Blackout” – the 6 minute immersive mental health installation will be featuring at this year’s PLASA Show, taking place at London Olympia, Sunday 15th– Tuesday 17thSeptember 2019.
Project Blackout are very pleased to reveal an exciting industry evaluation to run alongside the installation.
Once again teaming with Dr Paul Hanna, Research Director in Clinical Psychology at The University of Surrey the Blackout team are bringing academic analysis to the exhibition as part of the installation. A questionnaire has been devised to conduct the first evaluation on mental health awareness specifically within the UK technical backstage entertainment industry. Since Blackout launched in May, Dr Paul Hanna has been working closely with the creative team to run an evaluation into the impact of experiencing Blackout. “This is an extremely important ‘first step’ into addressing mental health awareness in the UK technical backstage entertainment industry and we are pleased to have Paul back on board to provide insight into mental health issues throughout the sector,” explains Mig Burgess, creator of Blackout.
“Throughout the PLASA Show, visitors will be able to experience Blackout and from this we will attempt to record and quantify both our industry’s overall awareness as well as gain an insight into how many people suffer with mental-health related issues,” continues Mig.
The evaluation has been funded by leading industry associations PLASA, ALD, ASD ABTT, PSA, all of whom recognise the importance of supporting this research which will impact their membership organisations. The Blackout team see this as a further commitment as an industry to move forward and tackle this rising issue of mental health.
Theatre Director Simon Anderson, who worked closely with Mig Burgess on Blackout adds: “This is a chance for us as an industry to show that we are on the front line in the battle against prejudice, stigma and fake news when it comes to mental health. We are fighting to make this beautiful industry of ours even more inclusive, patient and compassionate than it’s already famed for.”
The Technical Backstage Entertainment Industry Mental Health Evaluation can be found online by scanning the QR code below.
“We invite anyone and everyone from the technical entertainment backstage sector to participate. We would encourage anyone whether you plan to attend PLASA or see Blackout (or not) to join in with this survey. By giving us your insight you will be helping us gain valuable knowledge in the fight to help with tackling mental health issues in the backstage environment” urges Mig.
In conclusion Mig smiles. “I am thrilled to see that Project Blackout has brought about this exciting research into mental health in our backstage industry. This is exactly the kind of thing I had hoped for when creating the project over two years ago. Having Blackout at the PLASA Show is another great example of many companies coming together to make Blackout happen, but this research is another collaboration of key trade associations coming together to get this research off the ground. I am excited to see the data and look forward to working with our industry to evoke a positive change to help people with mental health issues within our industry. We need to keep the discussion going and promote awareness about mental health, working to reduce the stigma attached to those that suffer.Boost for hauliers’ Brexit preparation as multi-million pound campaign launched
- public awareness drive will mean hauliers obtain from traders everything they need to get ready for Brexit, helping goods continue to flow smoothly
- £8 million project will establish 150 pop-up advice centres across 10 countries, with messaging supported by a billboard and media advertising campaign
- hauliers will also be provided with a handbook and pocket guide to set out how they can prepare so they can continue to travel freely
A multi-million pound information campaign is being launched across the UK and Europe to ensure businesses and hauliers are prepared for the UK to leave the EU on 31 October 2019, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today (9 September 2019).
The public awareness drive will make sure hauliers obtain everything they need from traders to get through border customs smoothly, reducing risk of delays at ports.
The campaign will include:
- a billboard and media advertising campaign
- the establishment of 150 pop-up centres across the 10 countries covering the nationalities that process the most UK-bound road freight
- the distribution of millions of multi-language information handbooks and pocket guides
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
This campaign is another example of the extensive preparations we are making for leaving the EU on 31 October.
As an outward-facing global trading nation, the efficiency of our ports is of paramount importance. This multi-million-pound initiative ensures the UK will remain open for business, with goods continuing to move freely.
As part of the campaign an email will today be sent to 70,000 UK operators, industry bodies and other interested parties detailing essential information for those driving to the EU after 31 October.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, hauliers will be required to go through customs checks when exporting goods to the EU from the UK. It is the responsibility of traders to apply and obtain the right paperwork for the goods hauliers are carrying.
The UK government will also be providing hauliers with a handbook and a pocket guide to clearly set out how they can prepare themselves, their vehicles and their goods so that they can continue to travel freely. The how-to guides will be available across the UK and the continent at pop-up facilities in service stations, truck stops and petrol stations.
Read the handbook Transporting goods between the UK and EU in a no-deal Brexit: guidance for hauliers.
Other initiatives in the information campaign include:
- messages embedded into every booking confirmation email issued to hauliers by ferry operators, advising that anyone travelling from 31 October will require specific customs paperwork
- tailored emails in relevant languages to influential trade bodies in countries across the EU covering border readiness and new traffic management requirements
- industry liaison days to ensure EU businesses receive clear information
Road Haulage Association chief executive Richard Burnett said:
With only 38 working days to go until we leave the EU, it is essential that information is delivered in a clear and concise way. Traders, haulage operators in particular, simply don’t have time to digest and implement the small print. They need to know, right now, how to get through the next few months. It is imperative that the entire supply chain understands what will be required. This campaign will ensure hauliers get everything they need from traders to get through border customs smoothly, thereby reducing the risk of holdups at ports and ferry terminals.
Today’s announcement follows last week’s additional funding for Operation Brock – the contingency plan to tackle congestion in Kent in the event of any cross-Channel disruption.
The additional funds will be put towards a suite of measures, including standing up Manston airport as a lorry holding facility, the implementation of border readiness checks and increased resources to ensure drivers comply with Operation Brock.
The initiative launched today is part of the UK’s wider Get Ready for Brexit campaign, announced earlier this month, that will outline the actions all members of the public and business owners need to take to prepare for 31 October.
More info at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/boost-for-hauliers-brexit-preparation-as-multi-million-pound-campaign-launched
Self Employment and Tax. Support direct from HMRC.
Self employment, expenses, VAT, self assessment. Where better to go for help than HMRC themselves?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to self-employment or you’ve been in business for a while – HMRC has got the support you need.
HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos for quick guidance such as 'Expenses if you’re self-employed'. You may also find ‘Do I need to register my business for VAT’ useful.
Their online guide, 'Starting your own business', is easy to navigate. It has sections looking at the records you need to keep, sending your tax return, paying HMRC and more. Keep it as a favourite in your browser so that you can dip in and out when you need help.
You can also catch up with a recording of a recent live webinar, 'Self-employment and HMRC – let's get started'. This covers the basics you need to know on National Insurance, Self Assessment, expenses, payments and where to find further help.
UK Music Chief Warns Of The Dangers Of No-Deal Brexit On Music Industry
03/09/2019: UK Music CEO Michael Dugher has highlighted “growing concerns” that the impact of a no-deal Brexit could make touring potentially unviable for many in the UK live music industry, which contributes around £1 billion to the British economy.In a letter here to the Home Secretary Priti Patel, Mr Dugher stated that the introduction of VAT on merchandising and carnets on the transport of equipment could result in the loss of income of around 40 per cent for acts touring across the European Union. He also highlighted that the Government must provide clarity in the face of conflicting reports about the prospect of an immediate end to freedom of movement, which would also have a major impact on the UK’s live music industry.
He also suggested that the current information provided by the Government to companies and individuals about a ‘no deal’ is “worryingly inadequate” when preparing the industry for the possible changes ahead.
His letter states:
“Such a policy would cause considerable disruption to the international live music touring industry, in terms of UK artists travelling to the EU for concerts and vice versa.
“It would also run contrary to existing Government guidance which currently indicates EU citizens will continue to be able to enter the UK to work for up to three months even in the event of a “no deal” Brexit.
“If an alternative “cliff edge” policy is pursued in relation to freedom of movement it could result in retaliation from EU member states, requiring UK musicians to apply for expensive and bureaucratic visas and work permits in order to continue to tour the EU, severely harming our ability to enhance our export potential following recent year to year growth of seven per cent.”]
His intervention comes amid mounting fears that the UK is heading for a no-deal departure from the EU on October 31 under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The CEO of UK Music, which represents the commercial music industry in the UK that contributes £4.5 billion a year to the economy, goes on to highlight the risk that the UK visa and immigration system would struggle to cope with the increased work generated by a no-deal Brexit.
He told the Home Secretary extra costs and red tape at borders in the event of a no-deal Brexit could be a major blow to the £1 billion-a-year live music industry, which relied on the swift and easy movement of artists, equipment and merchandise across EU borders.
Mr Dugher also explained that the “crude skills and salary” approach to migration would not work for the music industry where wages are well below the average for UK workers and where many self-taught artists and others possess huge talent but sometimes no formal skills.
In his letter, Mr Dugher said:
“Requiring musicians, songwriters and producers from the EU to earn salaries of at least £30,000 to work in the UK poses a major threat to the music industry where music creators earn on average £20,504 - way below the average for other jobs.”
But the impact of a no-deal Brexit would have a far deeper impact on the UK music industry beyond the important issue of migration, said Mr Dugher.
He outlined fears that a no-deal Brexit could have a drastic impact on the ability of UK artists, promoters and others involved in the industry to cover the costs of touring in the EU.
His letter to the Home Secretary warned:
“We are also concerned about the impact that a no-deal Brexit could have on the ability of the UK music industry to sell merchandising and move equipment when they are touring in mainland Europe.
“According to Government guidance for a no-deal Brexit, anyone bringing goods into or taking goods out of the UK in baggage or a small vehicle which they intend to use for business will be forced to declare the goods and pay import duty and VAT before moving them across the border.
“This could have a drastic impact on our members to sell merchandise and transport equipment on European tours and result in a loss of income of up to 40 per cent, threatening the viability of future tours and damaging Britain’s export earnings.”
Pearle* & FIM welcome CoP18 decision to ease CITES permit requirements when travelling with musical instruments Brussels / Paris, 3 September 2019
On August 28th, 2019, the parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), meeting in Geneva for the CoP18, adopted four resolutions that represent positive answers to longstanding requests of the music sector.
Consensus was reached on the need to initiate a critical effort to streamline and simplify permit requirements for “the international movement of CITES specimens where the trade will have a negligible impact on the conservation of the species concerned”, which can include the non-commercial cross-border movement of musical instruments.
Concrete improvements for the music sector resulting from CITES CoP18 also relate to the use of rosewood in musical instruments, their parts and accessories as well as cross-border traveling with these instruments, thanks to permit exemptions.
Orchestras, ensembles, music bands and individual musicians are impacted by CITES rules: when travelling internationally with instruments that contain parts of protected species – such as rosewood, lizard, tortoise shell or elephant ivory –, a musical instrument certificate is required for international cross-border activities. The making, buying and selling of musical instruments is also affected by CITES requirements.
Pearle* - Live Performance Europe and FIM, the International Federation of Musicians, express their thanks to all partners of the music coalition who attended CITES negotiations in Geneva on behalf of the music sector, in particular the League of American Orchestras, the French Musical Instrument Organization (CSFI) and the International Association of Violin and Bow Makers (EILA).
DfT Issues Statement on EU No Deal Freight Arrangements
We received this information that DfT has sent to hauliers recently. As always, early conversations with providers will yield better results.
International Road Haulage in the EU between the 31 October and 31 December 2019 |
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Dear Haulier. Important information on International Road Haulage in the EU between the 31 October and 31 December 2019 We wrote to you earlier this year, jointly with the FTA and the RHA, to update you on our preparations for leaving the EU. Since then we have been successful in ensuring that 99% of journeys between the UK and the EU will continue as they are now, and will not need a permit, until at least 31 December 2019. This means that in November and December most UK hauliers will be able to continue to operate as they do now in a no-deal scenario. The UK will be leaving the EU on 31 October, and while we will work in an energetic and determined way to seek a better deal, that will require movement from the EU and a willingness to reopen the previous Withdrawal Agreement which has been rejected by Parliament three times. If that proves impossible we will have to leave with no deal. We are making all the necessary preparations to ensure we are fully prepared Brexit, whatever the circumstances. The EU has introduced a law which will ensure commercial road transport will continue in much the same way as present, until at least 31 December 2019. We are engaging with the European Commission and Member States with a view to extending these arrangements beyond December, and we will write to you with any further updates. Until 31 October all arrangements of course remain the same as they are now. 2019 ECMT PermitsUnder the new EU law, all point-to-point journeys between the UK and the EU will continue as present, with up to two cross-trade or cabotage trips allowed per week until December 2019. However, Hauliers who wish to transit the EU to non-EU countries (such as Switzerland or Ukraine) or who require a third cross-trade journey will need an ECMT permit after 31 October 2019, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. ECMT permits for use in November and December 2019 will be available to buy from 30 August 2019. Find out more about ECMT permits. Annual ECMT permits that were previously issued for 2019 can be used for the purpose of transit to non-EU countries in November and December 2019. Summary of ECMT permits in No Deal – November & December 2019You do not need an ECMT permit for:
You will need an ECMT permit for:
Important information
Find out more about carrying out international road haulage after Brexit and sign up for alerts. |
The BIG 200 Mile PLASA Commute
More recently, Stagehands work has extended to helping individual PSA members train in Mental Health First Aid.
Donations come in many different ways, some fun (we're thinking DiGiCo Quiz), others challenging.
This is why, during conversations at TPi's office about the PLASA show and how people were getting there, Editor Stewart Hume and PSA GM Andy Lenthall decided to ride there, on bikes, from TPi's offices, in Stockport...200 Miles.
Of course, they're not doing it for free. They'd like the industry to collectively contribute £3000 for the discomfort, those contributions going towards the work of Stagehand as well as our friends at Backup, who are also riding a 100 mile route from Wiltshire.
UK Music issues guidance in the event of a no-deal Brexit
UK Music has issued guidance on the areas that could impact the music industry in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The advice is aimed at helping those in the music industry prepare for Britain’s departure from the EU if the Government does not reach a deal.
It comes amid warnings from new Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the UK will leave the EU on October 31 whatever happens with the UK/EU negotiations.
Read the advice here: https://www.ukmusic.org/policy/brexit/uk-music-guidance-in-the-event-of-a-no-deal-brexit
London sees rise in grassroots music venues
The number of London’s grassroots music venues has risen in the last year after a nearly a decade of decline, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has revealed.
Between 2007 – 2016, the number of grassroots music venues in the capital fell by a third, from 144 to 94. Following two years of stability, figures released today show that in the last year the number meeting the Music Venue Trust’s definition has risen by six per cent – from 94 to 100.
In the last year, eight venues have closed and one stopped offering live music, but a total of 15 venues – including three that have newly opened – are now grassroots music venues.
It comes after the Mayor revealed earlier this month that the number of LGBTQ+ venues in London has remained stable for a second year running.
London is the home of the UK music industry, which contributes £4.4 billion to the UK economy and sustains 142,000 jobs, and Sadiq has pledged to do all he can to support the grassroots venues, which are under pressure from development, rising rents and business rates.
That’s why the Mayor’s Cultural Infrastructure Plan introduced tough new planning rules to protect venues in the draft London Plan, created an innovative Culture at Risk Office that has helped support nearly 200 night-time spaces at risk of closure, mapped the capital’s music facilities, and helped to establish the Safer Sounds Partnership to assist organisers in putting on live music events.
Today, further support is being offered to the industry with the release of two new guides on how to open and run grassroots music venues. The guides, which have received funding by the Mayor, have been compiled by the Music Venue Trust, in partnership with Ticketmaster, to provide practical and straightforward guidance to support venues.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is renowned across the globe for the quality of our music industry, yet for too long we’ve seen the number of grassroots music venues in London fall dramatically. These venues are vital if we are to continue developing acts whose songs are played around the world and to support those who love enjoying music in their local community. That’s why I’m working so hard to support these venues in the face of rising rents, rates and development, and why I’m encouraged to see the number of venues hosting grassroots music grow this year.”
Read More at: https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/london-sees-rise-in-grassroots-music-venues
The Revised UK Good Practice Guide to Working in Safety Advisory Groups
Bev Griffiths, one of our capability leaders, has been working with leading trainer, safety advisor and national subject-matter expert, Vanessa Mawer, to bring this practical guidance right up to date.
Today we launch the publication of the revised UK Guide to Working in Safety Advisory Groups. First published in 2015, the guide has been extensively updated to reflect current risks and challenges in the events industry.
Commenting on the guidance, Bev says; "Balancing today's risks with diminishing resources, never has it been more important for all types and size of events to engage and be supported by a Safety Advisory Group.
There's pressure to deliver 'best in show' events, using ever more complex technologies, incorporating increased risk-taking activities and competing for the most impressive and biggest wow factor. We simply can't emphasis enough how vital it is for event organisers and those involved in staging events to work closely in partnership with local authorities and the emergency services to address all the security and safety risks that could so easily derail and cause major disruption. Take a look at this new guidance - it could really make the difference between and enjoyable success or mitigated disaster. You'll be glad you did."
And don't just take our word for it
The new guidance has the backing from the industry:
"I welcome the publication of this guidance by the Emergency Planning College (EPC). Safety Advisory Groups are critical in assuring that public safety issues are central to the work of the events industry. They have an excellent track record and I have every confidence that the guidance contained here is a strong foundation for future practice. The fact that the Emergency Planning College has worked closely with partners in the entertainment and events industry and in government reflects its commitment to be at the heart of the public safety and resilience community, encouraging debate and reflection where it is needed, and leading the way for practitioners and policy makers in establishing and promoting good practice. I commend it to you and thank my colleagues at the Emergency Planning College for bringing it to you."
Dr Campbell McCafferty, Director, Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Cabinet Office
"It is important that everyone involved in delivering spectator events understands the roles, responsibilities and liabilities. I hope you will find this guide interesting and useful, and wish you every success in the delivery of safe, secure and enjoyable events.
Ruth Shaw, Chief Executive, Sports Grounds Safety Authority
"The College of Policing is pleased to endorse the content of this, the first piece of national guidance on Safety Advisory Groups.
Clive Brooks, Head of Joint Operations, The College of Policing
"I believe this excellent guidance will bring about changes that will lead to consistently positive and beneficial experiences for organisers and safer events for everybody. It has my full support."
Andy Grove, Chair, Local Authority Events Organisers’ Group (LAEOG)
"We are delighted that the Emergency Planning College consulted widely with the industry to produce this guidance which we believe will be of benefit not only to the users but also to the wider events industry."
Steve Heap, General Secretary, Association of Festival Organisers
You can find the guides here at: https://www.epcresilience.com/media/it-s-here-national-guidance-the-revised-uk-good/
Books Launched to Help Create and Sustain Grassroots Music Venues
Music Venue Trust has been working for some time on resources which bring together 5 years of learning, networking and good practice across the grassroots music venue sector. We wanted to help aspiring venue managers open new venues but also realised that reviewing working practices in existing venues or asking experienced venues to look again at the way they run could be beneficial. Therefore, we have created a pair of books: How to Open a Grassroots Music Venue and How to Run a Grassroots Music Venue. Some of the chapters are very similar and the Guidance section is the same in each book, but the tone and emphasis of the two books differs and there are fantastic interviews and photos in both. We see them as a pair but which you might read depends on who you are and what your interest is. We hope you find one or both of them useful.
Music Venue Trust, the charity which protects, secures and improves Grassroots Music Venues, has launched two open source books to offer practical advice to the sector. In partnership with The Mayor of London and Ticketmaster, MVT commissioned writer David Pollock and photographer Jannica Honey to bring together 2 fully illustrated manuals: How to Open a Grassroots Music Venue and How to Run a Grassroots Music Venue. These books are available as downloadable PDFs from both the MVT website (musicvenuetrust.com) and from the Mayor of London’s website.
Each book contains 15 chapters of information, gathered from the experience of our venues network and the past 5 years of MVT’s work. Areas covered include vital topics such as licensing, company structure, what facilities need to be provided and ideas for diversifying what they offer. This guidance is supported by interviews with some of the people who run the UK’s Grassroots Music Venues, to bring the text further to life and share stories of successes as well as some cautionary tales. A comprehensive Guidance section at the back of the books is complemented by cross-referencing with online resources on the MVT website (musicvenuetrust.com/resources) to complete the package. These online resources will be regularly updated to keep the manuals relevant.
To explain why creating these books was important Mark Davyd, CEO, Music Venue Trust said: “When I was 17, I put on my first gig and over the next ten years I met lots of other like-minded people who wanted to do the same. Eventually, after five years of trying, we got together and opened our own venue. Nobody ever gave us advice, and we must have made every mistake possible. Most people I know in the grassroots music sector have a similar story, which is why we wanted to publish these guides. We want these books to inspire people to join us and open their own venues and the message is simple: you can build a stage the band doesn’t fall through, you can get a licence that doesn’t prevent you from opening on a Wednesday, and you can avoid having to rebuild the venue from scratch, only this time with enough doors”.
Amy Lamé - Night Czar, Mayor of London added: “London’s diverse music scene is driven by its grassroots music venues. They provide a vital platform for musicians to hone their craft, play an important part of our musical heritage and help maintain London’s position as a global culture capital. There’s no doubt that challenges exist with rising rents and business rates, but the Mayor and I are committed to doing everything we can to protect these vital cultural assets. I’m delighted that we have partnered with MVT in their work and have no doubt these books will become the go-to-guides for venue owners for years to come.”
Andrew Parsons, Managing Director of Ticketmaster UK, said: “Developing the next generation of talent is hugely important to us, grassroots music venues are an essential part of an artist’s career and a vital cog in the music industry machine. We have worked with MVT since 2015 and know the struggles that these venues face. These guides are another important step to keep music playing in grassroots venues across the UK.”
MVT patron Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari said: “Grassroots Music Venues are vital spaces for musicians, music fans and communities in general. It’s been a tough time for venues up and down the country over the past few years and there’s been no government support. It’s great that MVT has launched these new books, sharing the knowledge and experience of those who run the venues that are surviving and shining a spotlight on the touring circuit. I think it could help encourage the opening of new venues and support networks.”
A limited print run of How to Open a Grassroots Music Venue and How to Run a Grassroots Music Venue has been produced but the books are available to all in PDF format. Music Venue Trust is looking into the possibility of further development of these guides. If you are interested in possible involvement, please contact us at info@musicvenuetrust.com