Coronavirus: a holiday weekend by far

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The Reading and Leeds festivals are canceled and the Notting Hill Carnival is taking place virtually, but car organizations predict a holiday weekend in August that won’t be quiet.

RAC research suggests that 18 million car trips will be made, an increase of 1.8 million in 2019, due to stays.

It is the first time in 54 years that the carnival does not take place, and the artists only appear online.

And the holiday Monday will be the last chance for diners to use Eat Out to Help Out.

Customers have been granted a 50% discount on their meals, up to a maximum of £ 10 per head, in restaurants, pubs and cafes during the first half of the week of August to foster support for the hospitality sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak. .

But not everyone will be able to go out to dinner with friends, as the restrictions imposed on millions of Britons remain in effect during the holiday weekend.

There are local blockades in place in parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Leicester. Restrictions in some areas will be eased on Wednesday.

Forecasters say temperatures for all three days, including Monday, when it is a public holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will be below average.

According to research for the RAC, there could still be heavy traffic on popular routes when people take breaks, day trips, or drive home from vacation.

However, tourism bosses say that while beach resorts and national parks will be busy, businesses in cities were still affected by the pandemic and overall UK overnight bookings were down 44% this time. year, compared to 2019.

‘Enjoy carnival at home’

The music and performances that generally take place at the Notting Hill Carnival, started by the Caribbean community and held on the streets of West London since 1966, have been recorded in studios in recent weeks and will air over three days through of four channels on a dedicated website.

Each channel will focus on a specific area of ​​the carnival such as its parades, musical acts and culture.

Matthew Phillip, the festival’s executive director, urged people to enjoy the event “at home safely” and cautioned against coming to the area for a street party.

He said: “We would ask you to respect the carnival, respect the community and also respect the health and well-being of the people who have been affected by this pandemic.”

Illegal raves warning

The Council of National Police Chiefs warns that the forces will disperse illegal raves and other mass gatherings during the banking holiday, amid concerns about non-compliance with coronavirus rules on social distancing and facial coverage in illegal raves.

New laws apply to England and Wales which mean meeting organizers of more than 30 people can be fined up to £ 10,000.

Among the other events canceled this weekend due to the pandemic were the Reading and Leeds music festivals, where Liam Gallagher, Stormzy and Rage Against The Machine had starred.

In an interview on the NME, festival organizer Melvin Benn said the events could return in 2021, with plans to screen festival goers for coronavirus.

Meanwhile, companies hosting events this weekend have had to adapt to Covid restrictions.

The Luna Cinema opened drive-ins at places like Ascot Racecourse after the pandemic reduced its outdoor screenings for several weeks.

Luna founder George Wood said: “We have now also started anew with our traditional outdoor season that has been carefully selected and planned to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all.”

He said the events “fully complied with social distancing regulations: designated fields … sanitized seats … and ample hand sanitizer for all guests.”

Delays and critical points

Research for the RAC said Friday was expected to see the highest volume of cars on the road with an estimated 5.6 million separate trips, with 4.7 million on Saturday, 3.7 million on Sunday and 4, 4 million on Monday.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Both official government statistics and our own insurance customer data show that weekend traffic has returned to pre-closing levels.

“So it is clear that despite the pandemic, the car has been a vital part of ensuring that many people can safely enjoy summer.”

The AA predicts that traffic on routes to tourist spots will cause delays, but says that with events canceled and sports taking place behind closed doors, local roads should be quieter.

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It comes as Devon and Cornwall police warn of congested roads and say demand across all emergency services is expected to be high this weekend.

“Tourism bosses are already predicting that the region is at full capacity, so the message to all visitors is to book early and plan your trip, expect delays on the road network, and when you arrive, support and enjoy the local economy, but do it respectfully, “says the force.

According to a survey by Visit Britain, 4.8 million people planned to stay overnight between Friday and Monday, up from 8.6 million last year.

Patricia Yates, head of the tourism agency, told the BBC that companies have been working flat out to welcome customers safely, but that cities are still affected by “people’s nervousness about use public transportation and go to indoor attractions. “

Lower temperatures

Forecasters say temperatures are expected to be below average for this time of year.

The Met Office says maximum temperatures will range from 14 ° C to 19 ° C, with maximum temperatures in London, although some parts of Scotland will be colder – 11 ° C in some areas, below the average of 16 ° C in this time of year.

BBC Weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas says that after heavy rains and winds caused flooding in parts of the UK, there will be more rain in northern Scotland, the east coast of England and southeast England on Saturday, but conditions should improve.

Monday looks largely dry and less windy and cooler than it has been, he added.

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