Many Scottish gigs and festivals are under threat of cancellation since First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called for a ban on gatherings of more than 500 people. This is in an attempt to control the coronavirus outbreak, but will ruin the plans of both artists and fans.
Sturgeon spoke at First Minister’s Questions yesterday, saying that her government is advising that the ban should be put in place from next week. She explained that while scientists have advised that cancelling large gatherings will not have a “significant impact” on containing the virus, this action would help free up emergency services and was therefore required.
This is due to the fact that “mass gatherings require to be policed“, and they need to have “emergency ambulance cover” as well as “voluntary health services,” as Sturgeon said. The First Minister went on to say that “at a time when we need to be reducing the pressures on these frontline workers – in order to free them up to focus on the significant challenge that lies ahead – I do think it’s inappropriate that we continue as normal.”
A reminder that from start of next week, to help with efforts against #coronavirus and reduce pressure on our emergency services @scotgov is also advising cancellation of events with more than 500 people. Further guidance on practical application will be issued over weekend. https://t.co/0bttksgC7r
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 13, 2020
Artists who have gigs planned in Scotland this year include The Killers, Post Malone and Tom Jones with Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, and Blossoms all meant to perform in March. If the ban is set, none of these shows will go ahead, causing loss of profit for artists, venues, and crew, along with the loss of any pre-paid costs such as travel.
The Who have officially postponed their UK and Ireland Tour 2020. Full details: https://t.co/UB5Ha0TYDY pic.twitter.com/ARkFefjwam
— The Who (@TheWho) March 12, 2020
Currently, there has been no further news on the order, though there have now been 60 cases of the virus confirmed in Scotland. The UK Government has confirmed that coronavirus is in the delay phase of controlling the outbreak.
Not only has Scotland been affected, but artists, bands and events worldwide have been postponed or cancelled because of Covid-19. The latest band to postpone their tour was The Who, with others including Stormzy, Madonna, and Pearl Jam. Snowboming festival and Coachella have also been cancelled for 2020.
