The UK Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sports announced on Friday that indoor concerts can resume in the country from August 1, as long as the public adheres to social distancing protocols.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of Culture Oliver Dowden announced that as part of Phase 4 of England’s COVID-19 reopening plans, “theaters, music halls and other venues” may allow indoor audiences after a successful pilot program at the London Symphony.
“The UK performing arts sector is recognized worldwide and I am pleased that we are making real progress in reopening its doors to the public with social distancing. Starting in August, indoor theaters, music venues and performance venues will safely welcome audiences across the country, “Dowden said in a statement.
“This is a welcome step on the road to a return to normality and, along with our £ 1.57 billion bailout plan.”
Starting August 1, the socially distant audience can return for indoor performances in theaters, music halls, and other venues. This is based on pilots with @londonsymphony and others. I am very pleased to advance to Stage 4 of our roadmap for culture. pic.twitter.com/Js7dQUghZ6
– Oliver Dowden (@OliverDowden) July 17, 2020
Mandates for the reopening of closed venues include reduced capacity and limited ticket sales to ensure social distancing requirements are met, more thorough cleaning of venues, use of electronic tickets, and “artists, directors Musicians should observe social distancing whenever possible. “
The culture department added that venues can allow for more comprehensive audiences in Phase 5 of the reopening plan.
The plan to reopen closed venues in the UK follows the announcement of the world’s “first place devoted to socially distanced music” in Newcastle, England, with Supergrass, the Libertines and Two Door Cinema Club reserved to play on the outdoor track. the size of a race track in August.
“During the closing time, we were presented with several different ideas and solutions, and some were rubbish, some were fine, some were well thought out,” said Libertines manager Dave Bianchi. Rolling Stone.
“In the case of the concerts we are doing in Newcastle, they look very well organized and well thought out. As long as people really make money, money is less of a problem than whether these shows will be good or not. I don’t know because we haven’t seen it yet. I really liked the idea of having separate small stages, but it could still be that the atmosphere is quite strange for both the audience and the artist. But this particular proposal is the best I have ever seen. ”
