At 8pm on 30 September, Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall will be lit in red to show solidarity with theatres and events venues across the UK that have been dark for 200 days. Hundreds of venues in Wales and the rest of the UK will also be lit up to let the public and government know what is happening to the live entertainment industry.

Live entertainment is under threat as a result of the Covid-19 shutdown, with many venues unable to cope with the loss of income and no end in sight. Thousands of professionals, including technical staff, front of house staff, costume and prop makers are struggling. The issue affects voluntary and professional venues.

Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall has been at the heart of the community for 95 years and this is the first time in its history that it has closed. We are standing together with the theatre and events industry and raising awareness of the difficulties being faced across the UK. The campaign is calling for support from government for the entire industry, which has been unable to reopen owing to social distancing measures.

Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall will be back. We are using the shutdown to carry out maintenance work and improvements when they can, but it is a difficult time for the charity. We are calling for the community’s support and hope that when the building reopens, audiences will return.