We’ve reached the end of the road and need financial help – and we need it NOW.

That was the clear message from hospitality and event leaders as the national #TheSurvivalTour arrived in Bournemouth on October 14.

And to underline the point one of the people meeting the five cyclists – Steve Turner, BH Live’s Divisional General Manager – confirmed the BIC and Pavilion operator had made 135 redundancies as a direct result of the pandemic.

They ranged from stage technicians and general support to security, finance and HR.

BH Live manages 18 venues, leisure centres and attractions across Dorset, Hampshire and London including eight in Dorset.

Mr Turner, pictured left, said: “Our teams have been built over many years and it’s a huge risk that these skills could be lost forever.

“But there’s been nothing since March at some of our venues.”

As reported on Dorset Biz News, #TheSurvivalTour set out from Newcastle on Saturday October 3 in support of the #WeMakeEvents campaign.

The stop-off in Bournemouth was the latest stage of a 930-mile charity bike ride highlighting the plight of the events and entertainment sector.

It is visiting 50 venues, including the BIC and Pavilion, which have been standing empty since March due to the pandemic.

The riders also staged a photoshoot at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.

For months the events sector – worth £84bn and employing more than 700,000 people – has warned it is teetering on the brink of collapse.

But its warnings have gone unheeded by ministers to the annoyance, frustration and now anger of people working in the industry.

Steve Reynolds

Lead cyclist Steve Reynolds, Operations Director of Loudsound, said there had been “an amazing response” at the various stop-off points.

“We came up with the idea after the national #WeMakeEvents day in August.

“It’s such an important sector,

“About 80 per cent of entrants are under 20 so it’s also another challenge to youth employment,” he added.

On October 15, the riders visited other Bournemouth venues including Chapel Gate, home of the Bournemouth 7s Festival, the world’s largest sport and music festival, before going on to Southampton, Portsmouth and Brighton.

They are due to arrive in London on October 17.

David Bailey

Among the welcome contingent in Bournemouth was David Bailey, Chair of the Destination Management Board for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

He said: “The event industry is incredibly important, and especially in this area.

“Not just for the people employed in it but for all the others that benefit from taxi companies and restaurants to bars and hotels.

“Everybody benefits and it desperately needs assistance.”

Craig Mathie

Craig Mathie, Vice Chair and also Managing Director of Bournemouth 7s, said: “I’ve been banging the drum for some while but we’re seeing very little in the way of action.

“The events industry is marching towards failure.

“It’s incredibly tough and with vast swathes of the supply chain also not eligible for assistance, you have to ask if there will be suppliers still in business in the future.”

Alan Barclay

Alan Barclay, Managing Director of Absolute Music, said he was there to show support for his customers and the industry.

“A lot of our customers have fallen between the various government schemes and not received anything.

“It’s continues to be very tough,” he added.

The marathon ride is also raising money for Backup charity, which provides financial support for the entertainment industry.