Entertainers who took to the streets of Kilkenny City yesterday calling for people to Stand Up For Musicians say it may be the first of many such events.
The peaceful protest, part of a nationwide series, saw individual performers, band members, DJs and others gather on The Parade before marching along High Street, Bateman Quay, Rose Inn Street and back to the starting point.
There, speeches took place from organiser Tomás Jackman and John Bourke who outlined the plight of those left without their livelihoods during the pandemic.
There were calls for more support for an industry left devastated with pleas for local TDs, in particular Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, himself a musician, to fight their cause.
They want clarity and if that’s not forthcoming they will return to the streets.
We heard from some of those involved on The Way It Is with Sue Nunn – listen back to that here: