Deep Concern - A House of Lords committee has warned it is “deeply concerned” about the “existential threat” facing the performing arts because of touring restrictions caused by Brexit and has urged the government to work to address the issues.
It outlines evidence heard by the European Affairs Committee on 14 September from BECTU national secretary Noel McClean, Incorporated Society of Musicians chief executive Deborah Annetts and chair of LIVE Touring Group Craig Stanley.
Kinnoull said that the committee found the witnesses "compelling and persuasive" and that it was "deeply concerned" by the evidence presented. In the letter, Kinnoull states: "The sector has been particularly badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and is now in the first stages of its recovery.
"It was clear from the evidence provided to the committee that this recovery is critically threatened by the restrictions on touring and performing in Europe resulting from the UK’s departure from the EU and the regime introduced by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the impact of which has hitherto been delayed by Covid-19 restrictions."
Free Fringe Space - A new pop-up performance and arts venue has been announced for climate-change conference COP26 in Glasgow. The Landing Hub, which will run from 29 October to 14 November, is billed as the largest free fringe space during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Located at 220 Broomielaw, the 450-capacity venue will host a programme of performance, film screenings, workshops, visual art installations and talks. A collaboration between New Practice Architects and event management company Inhouse, the Landing Hub is a temporary structure made using materials from local suppliers to reduce carbon emissions.
Becca Thomas, creative director and architect at New Practice, said: "We are delighted to bring together this project, in collaboration with Inhouse for Glasgow City Council, which will provide a valuable public space for gathering, discussion and learning during COP26. We will be bringing life to this vacant site and hosting local and global organisations that are responding to the challenges of the climate crisis."
Centenary - King George's Hall is celebrating a centenary of hosting musicians and politicians in Blackburn. The foundation stone was laid by King George V in 1913 but construction paused over World War One, when it was used as a Red Cross hospital. Opened by Lord Derby on 21 October 1921, it has since hosted The Beatles, Paul Weller and Joanna Lumley. David Bowie performed at the venue as part of his Ziggy Stardust tour in 1973, while bands included Queen and The Courteneers have also played the hall.
Streaming Record - Adele's new single Easy On Me has reached the top of the UK singles chart and broken streaming records after registering 24m listens in one week. The singer beat Ariana Grande's 2019 record of 16.9m streams in a week for the song 7 Rings. Adele's single also clocked up 217,300 chart sales, the highest since Ed Sheeran's Shape Of You in January 2017. Adele's new album is due out on 19 November and is titled 30.
(Jim Evans)
26 October 2021

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