The UK’s new Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is Lisa Nandy, who retained her seat as the Labour MP for Wigan after last week’s general election. Some members of the nightlife industry have welcomed her appointment, citing comments she made in a 2022 interview with Times Radio in which she supported reopening nightclubs to help boost local economies and create opportunities for young people. Nandy also published a plan in 2023 to expand community ownership of important local assets, including music venues and pubs.
The UK’s nightlife industry has suffered greatly in recent years, losing more than 40 festivals in the past year alone, while five nightclubs and two grassroots music venues have shut down each week. In light of these conditions and Nandy’s apparent willingness to help, her appointment has been a welcome spark of optimism for the industry. The Night Time Industries Association and UK Music CEO Tom Kielhl both voiced their support for Nandy’s appointment, with Kielhl saying that she is “ideally placed to take forward the government’s cultural plan”.
However, some were more cautiously optimistic, such as Local Action artist Finn, who tweeted: “Lisa Nandy I will hold you to this!!!” while referencing the need for supporting nightlife as a cultural institution with worth beyond its economic health. In her statement following her appointment, Nandy acknowledged the importance of culture industries in bringing communities together and unlocking opportunities for everyone.
Nandy’s suggestion of a referendum in each town about which nightclub would be reopened was met with some amusement, but her comments indicate a recognition of the importance of nightlife in communities and the value it can bring to young people. The challenge will be in translating that recognition into substantive action that can restore the UK’s struggling nightlife industry. The hard work begins now for Nandy and her team.
(Via: The Times)
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