With the recent falling of Covid-19 infection and death rates and the success of vaccination programmes across the UK, the government is lifting lockdown restrictions according to the roadmap plan introduced in February earlier this year. This means that mass gatherings could occur after 21st June, where many artists and groups have concerts and festivals scheduled for the summer. However, a vaccine passport scheme may potentially be introduced either by the government or by individual organisations themselves.
The organiser of Reading and Leeds festival, which is due to take place from the 27th to the 29th of August, Melvin Benn, has said that vaccine passports would likely be required from attendees. He also said: “I’m taking the prime minister at his word that from June the legal restrictions will be off. And as he and the culture secretary said: ‘We are looking forward to a summer of fun’. If it is cancelled everyone gets a refund – that’s pretty normal – but I’m certainly anticipating it going ahead.”
Since it is not mandatory to have a Covid-19 vaccine, the vaccine passport scheme would likely cover not only proof of vaccination but also a recent negative test or proof of past infection (as people who previously had Covid-19 often possess antibodies). Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary has said that vaccine passports could be a “tool in the short term” to open venues again safely – including arenas, hospitality and clubs. He has also expressed that he understands the “concerns people have raised on civil liberties grounds”. The details of the scheme are yet to be confirmed by the government.
Many festivals have already announced their returns this year, including Wireless, Isle of Wight and All Points East, with most taking place in late August and early September. Most of these festivals have sold out within an hour of release, despite the lack of full lineup for many of them, probably due to Britons’ craving for live music in a hopefully Covid-free summer.
