As the UK government begins to take its first steps into the easing of lockdown restrictions, yesterday a five step plan was unveiled by the culture secretary. The five step road map has been created for the performance arts sector in an attempt to move forward and return to business after the pandemic put a halt to live performances and touring. The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said he wanted to “raise the curtain on live performances” as soon as possible.
The five stage plan is as follows:
Stage one of the plan, band rehearsals or preparations for live performances will be permitted, as long as social distancing guidelines are in place. No audiences would be allowed at this stage.
Stage two opens the door for performances to be granted a place to be shown for broadcast and recording with social distancing still a key factor. Again no audiences would be allowed at this point. A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport told the BBC that the first two stages of the plan could start immediately.
Stage three would see the return of outdoor performances and concerts. They will only be allowed to take place with an socially distant audience.
Stage four would see the return of outdoor and indoor music performances but with limited audience present.
Stage five will be performances now will be regular with a larger and fuller audience, given that all of the previous steps are met. However, given these instructions there was no mention of a date or time frame as to when this plan will begin.
Despite the government having some sort of idea as to when concerts would return, there still isn’t much information regarding the financial crisis music venues are currently facing, with summer approaching, these venues are relying on the government to help them stay afloat during the pandemic.
The plan wasn’t well received as it has been described as “unworkable” by the trade body UK Music, which has warned that venues will not be able to get “back into business” under the current guidelines.
Mark Dayvd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, said: “When we eventually emerge from lockdown, grassroots music venues, the absolute bedrock, the foundations, the cornerstone on which our world beating £5.2billion per year industry has been built, are going to be essential to live music bouncing back.”
Culture secretary explains music, theatres and culture in the UK were “the soul of our nation and a lynchpin of our world-beating creative industries.” He continued: “We know the challenges – theatres must be full to make money, and performers need to be safe on stage as they sing, dance and play instruments. But I am determined to ensure the performing arts do not stay closed longer than is absolutely necessary to protect public health. I know the public wants its theatres open, our brilliant performers want to go back to work, and we will do all we can to get them fully back up and running. Our roadmap provides a clear pathway back.”
