Backup – The Technical Entertainment Charity – is the UK’s registered charity that provides financial support to industry technical professionals, crew/production personnel and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment industry including those from live events, theatre, TV and film.
In Memory of John Simpson
As anyone who had the good fortune to know Backup Chair, John Simpson, will tell you, he was one of the kindest, most caring, compassionate people in our industry, and it is with much sadness that we share the news of his passing on Saturday 11th June.
Continue reading our tribute to John here
News
KartFest non-racer tickets available buy here
New for KartFest is the the inaugural Roadie Games find out more here and how you can enter!
New dates for Free MHFA training for Freelancers via our AJ Bursary: 23rd & 24th June 2022 / 13th & 14th July 2022, full details and to sign up here
Backup joins forces with Big Drop, read more here
Backup Kartfest 2022 – Now open! More info and how to enter your team here
Backup recent Newsletter Winter 2021 here
Backup is honoured to launch the AJ Bursary for Mental Health First Aider Training, Free for Freelancers. Read more here
Backup launches free 24hr Helpline, to provide a centralised access point for both urgent and non-urgent wellbeing support, more details here
Backup joins in funding for free bursaries for addiction and recovery aware training workshop commissioned by TPG and run by Music Support, more details here
West End Unplugged
You can watch the full series of our West End Unplugged 4-part charity concert series here – donations still open too!
We do like to shout about companies, individuals and industry campaigns getting involved and supporting Backup with their own Fundraising, so if you’re planning a future fundraising event in aid of Backup do let us know.
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Highlights of current and upcoming fundraisers:
Backup Kartfest is a vital fundraiser for Backup. It’s been two long years, but it’s time to pull on your racing suits, don your helmets and get back behind the wheel for the industry’s favourite get together, Karfest 2022, which takes place on 7th July at Daytona Sandown Park. Details here
We Make Events fundraising campaign is live with Backup as their main charity. Fund-raising through supporter initiatives, events, merchandise and direct donations, for more info or to donate click here
We Need Crew are linked to the We Make Events fundraising campaign and have all sorts of fundraising going on from concerts in support, raffles, challenges and merchandise, or you can just straight donate to the WNC cause here
In addition to WNC tremendous support of the Backup Hardship Fund, they also fundraise specifically to support Wellbeing projects through Backup, find out about their fundraising for this here and check out our Wellbeing Support page to see where WNC fundraising has helped us provide support.
GoboPlus.com supports Backup with gobo releases! The new range comprises fifteen aerial, breakup and texture designs, each of which will generate a £3 donation to Backup for every glass gobo sold and £1 for every metal gobo.
The Green Room Distillery set up by theatre professionals are supporting Backup with £1 from each bottle sold from their range of bespoke spirits, for more info click here
Lighting Designer Declan Randall has been getting creative with cookie cutters and has launched Custom Cookie Cutters with a specific “Theatre Set” in aid of Backup.
Industry apparel, accessory and tech brand STNDBY have a range of stylish, sustainable and feature-packed gear, designed for crew and creatives. STNDBY generously supports Backup by donating a percentage of their company profits.
Nina Dunn has launched The Dark Theatres Project, a fundraiser where you will be able to either order individual prints or a beautifully designed book that documents a unique journey through prominent London Theatres that have stood empty for three months. In aid of of Backup and several other industry charities.
Long-running Backup supporter, The Lightpower Collection, has teamed up with legendary photographer Neal Preston, to release a set of previously unseen music photographs. In aid of Backup and several other industry charities.
Backup – The Technical Entertainment Charity – provides financial support to industry technical professionals working in live events, theatre, TV and film.
Are you or a family member seriously ill or suffering from an accident and needing support?
Is there someone you know who needs help?
Backup offers support and help to get you back on your feet.
Backup runs a number of fundraising raising events each year, from Karting track days to Golf outings and Comedy nights.
Interested in participating or supporting an event? Click below to find out about upcoming events or to see past events.
Alternatively if you are planning on your own fundraiser event in aid of Backup, do get in touch to let us know and we can help publicise.
Remember you can subscribe to our newsletter to be kept up to date about upcoming events.
“Getting the help from you has ensured that I haven't given up on my career and it feels like I've had a little bit of magical dust sprinkled over me and boy did I need it!” A makeup artist and hair stylist for film and TV