#Freedomtodance London rally to ‘Save Our Scene’

The #freedomtodance demonstration is organised by ‘Save Our Scene UK’ (SOS); the demonstration march will depart from Marble Arch finishing at Parliament Square.

Kai Cant, the founder of renowned London clubbing brand Abode, came to SOS with the idea and has since united DJs and influential figures in the clubbing sector to come together under the #FreedomtoDance name. 

The march will be supported by some of the biggest names in club and dance music culture, including DJ sets from Alan Fitzpatrick, Eats Everything, East End Dubs, Fat Tony, Franky Wah, Hannah Wants, Jess Bays, Max Chapman, Charlie Tee, Kizzy Alicia, SUAT, Seb Zito, SOSA, Waff, Summer Ghemati, Wheats and many more.

There has been further backing from industry figures such as Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industries Association, said:

“The Government has consistently marginalised our sector; we have had to fight for every bit of support and engagement throughout the pandemic. We have been continually targeted by the Government and excluded from every announcement. Our Industry is recognised and valued across the world, yet undervalued by our own Government. It’s time to push back and show the power of electronic music and the nighttime economy through its greatest asset, its people! Time to #Letusdance.”

The events and music industry have been massively impacted by the past 18-months of restrictions which has constantly marginalised the sector with minimal support. 

The latest announcement by the government, confirming full reopening would be put back a further month, has compounded this even more. While other sectors have been allowed to open, nightclubs have to remain shut with no advanced warning to prepare appropriately or provide them with financial support.

The Founder of SOS, George Fleming, when asked about the impact the last 18-months has had on the music industry, said:

“We are protesting this week to tell the Government that enough is enough, and we will not stay silent any longer. Too many jobs have been lost, and the damage has become irreversible. Around 10,000 licensed venues have already closed permanently, and over 400,000 live events staff have lost their jobs. Our message to the Government is if they delay any further, we will be on the streets protesting daily. We cannot afford to wait any longer.”

It is clear to see the industry’s discontent, which has led to a widespread lack of confidence and trust in those expected to serve the citizens’ best interests.

Renowned artist and DJ Eats Everything, when asked about the actions of the last 18-months had this to say:

“This Government is all about money, and it can’t be that our industry isn’t financially beneficial to them because we clearly are, so it has to be merely down to the fact that they don’t like the culture plain and simple. I’m absolutely not a Covid denier or anti-mask/vax in any way, shape or form, but what I am is a person who is a member of an industry that has been totally downtrodden time and time again…Stop ruining hearts, minds and livelihoods.”

** Please note – Save Our Scene supports people’s personal choice in whether they decide to engage with the vaccination programme or not and they respect people’s opinion on the matter.

They have also encouraged everyone to act responsibly, safely and pick up their litter on the march.

Look out for more updates as the #freedomtodancemarch unveils on Sunday 27th June.