The good news we’ve all been waiting for: Concerts are allowed to return – at least to a certain extent. And guess what? They’re allowed to be back from tomorrow on (Saturday, July 11)! So far, the UK government is only allowing outdoor events, but given the fact that we’ve been looking at a summer without any festivals or concerts at all, the news is exiting a lot of people.
The shows must make sure that the crowd consists of a “limited and socially distanced audience.” During a Downing Street briefing yesterday (Thursday, July 9), Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden explained that this is “an important milestone for our performing artists, who have been waiting patiently in the wings since March.” Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, loads of both, international and UK artists had to postpone or reschedule their UK performances and tours.
“Of course, we won’t see crowds flooding into their venues, but from July 11 our theatres, operas, dance and music shows can start putting on outdoor performances to socially distant audiences”, Dowden has said.
so in the uk outdoor concerts can resume as of saturday but you have to social distance.. wheres the fun in that
— elise ²⁸ (@xdarlinglou) July 9, 2020
“That means theatregoers can experience a live play for the first time in months at places like the stunning Minack Theatre in Cornwall, and music lovers can attend Glyndebourne this summer”, the Culture Secretary shared the exciting news.
Of course, the venues won’t be able to host their usual capacity of guests. Instead, the capacity will be reduced in order to meet social distancing measures so the crowd can safely keep their distance from one another. According to NME, venue workers will have to use electronic ticketing and have to keep a record of visitor details.
In addition to the reopening of outdoor venues, a small number of indoor “test events” will be held to work on a plan to reopen indoor venues. Those test events will include performances at the London Palladium, a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra at St. Luke’s Church and some event at Butlin’s holiday parks. However, there hasn’t been any information on when those test events will be held and who they will include.
Furthermore, it is not yet sure which artists will use these new regulations to put on a show for their fans, but given the fact that nearly everyone in the music scene had to postpone their touring plans, a lot of people will be buzzing to get back on stage.
