OTLEY Courthouse was lit up in red on Tuesday night as part of a nationwide campaign to draw attention to the businesses and jobs that could be lost if the government does not intervene and support arts and music venues.

The move was part of the Red Alert day of action driven by the #WeMakeEvents campaign, which is raising the alarm for the live events and entertainment sector. TEvents across the UK were aimed at forcing the government to support the industry in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unless swift action is taken, up to 114,000 jobs in the live events sector are now at risk, according to #WeMakeEvents. A major concern is that only 50 per cent of companies have capital to get them through the next four months, meaning that by the end of the year many will not be in a position to open.

Whilst supporting the nationwide campaign Otley Courthouse itself is making the first steps to re-open - it has invited its room hirers back and has already begun to screen films. But is says live music gigs and theatre are still some way off.