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‘We Will Protest Until We See Change’: Save Our Scene UK Takes To The Streets In London & Bristol
SOS UK – Picture from Save Our Scene
Protesters are encouraged to return to the streets tonight.
Save Our Scene (SOS) UK, an Instagram fundraiser supporting UK charity Help Musicians, has announced two protests in London and Bristol, respectively, Dec. 2-3.
Protesters will ride on bikes. A Land Rover equipped with a DJ booth is going to lead them from Speakers Corner in London’s Hyde Park to Parliament Square. Jess Bays will perform back to back with SOS co-founder and fellow-DJ Josh Parkinson, who said:
“The industry has never needed our support more than now. The majority of musicians rely on events to make a living and right now we’re not making a living. I’m urging everyone to get behind this campaign, we need your support.
“If you can’t make this rally, come to the next one. If you can’t make that, check out how you can donate through our instagram page. If you can’t afford to donate anything, spread the love and tell your friends. We’re going make some serious noise and we’re NOT retraining!”
Parkinson was referring to comments made by UK chancellor Rishi Sunak, who suggested musicians out of work should think about retraining for other jobs.
On Dec. 3, the protest takes place in Bristol, where participants will cycle from Clifton Downs to St Andrew’s Park. DJs on that night: Got Some b2b Pablo Bravas.
Added SOS co-founder George Fleming: “Our aim is to bring music lovers and professionals together and show the Government how important it is to protect the arts. We will be protesting until we see change, we cannot stop and must stand strong for what we believe in.
“The first protest in London was so successful back in October and we’re confident that it’s only going to get bigger. I’m excited to take the campaign to Bristol. The city is one of the most musically eclectic in the country.”
Following the first bike-ride protest in October, SOS has so far raised more than $5,000 for Help Musicians.