A number of leading arts venues, theatres and churches were amongst buildings lit in red this week to highlight the critical impact the Coronavirus has had on the events industry in Wales.
The initiative was led by the campaign group 'WeMakeEvents' which told the BBC that the sector, which includes a number of venues that have hosted brass band concerts, contests and events, "urgently needs government support to survive".
Critical
Despite the Welsh Government recently announcing a £53 million support package, which included help for festivals, cinemas, museums, libraries, heritage sites, galleries and archive venues, campaigners still believe that the arts sector is in "critical"financial condition.
It has previously been reported that arts and cultural organisations in Wales were losing £1.4 million a week as a result of Covid-19 closures, with the iconic Welsh Millennium Centre due to post a £20 million loss, putting up to 250 jobs at risk.
Staff at many leading venues tweeted their support for the campaign which they hope will put further pressure on the Welsh Government to support a successful industry that contributes greatly to the local economies on which they are based.
No rehearsal return as yet
The news also comes on the back of the announcement that from 3rd August, indoor pubs and restaurants, licensed wedding venues and bingo halls in Wales were able to open, whilst from 10th August that list included gyms and swimming pools.
Groups of up to 30 people have been able to socialise outdoors (by taking the necessary social distancing and health & safety measures), although there has been no indication as yet that the Welsh Government intends to allow brass bands and choirs to be able to meet indoors to rehearse or perform.
A news report written by BBC presenter and brass band player Alex Humphreys was published on the BBC website this week, highlighting the concerns of many in the brass band movement that the longer they are unable to rehearse together indoors the more difficult it will be to attract back existing as well as new members.
It has previously been reported that arts and cultural organisations in Wales were losing £1.4 million a week as a result of Covid-19 closures4BR
Biggest worry
In the report Alex interviewed Seindorf Beaumaris Band secretary Gary Pritchard, who said: "I think the biggest worry we have, not just as a band but as a banding community is people having spent months without playing a note, deciding that 'you know what, it's time to give up'.
If we're not able to rehearse, then we're going to lose the younger generation and if we lose the younger generation well then there won't be a band in 10 years' time."
Important role
Meanwhile, Tredegar Band MD, Ian Porthouse told 4BR: "The arts have always played an important role within Welsh communities, but the Coronavirus has tested its resilience like never before.
Although there has been some relaxation of guidelines and regulations, returning to indoor rehearsals still seems some way off, and forms only part of a larger picture.
Brass bands have enjoyed support and performance opportunities at so many well run halls and arts venues, so it's vital that we can play our part in helping them when the time comes for a return to the contest and concert stage,"
Cancelled events
The last brass band competition held in Wales was the Welsh Regional Championships held at Swansea University in March.
Since then regular contest events such as those as part of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the Welsh League series and North Wales rally have been cancelled, as have a host of concerts by bands at all levels in local concert venues.
