After months of silence, Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, has announced that open-air and indoor performances can return – but with restrictions (and you won’t see scenes like the image used here for some time yet).
On July 11th, the Culture Secretary stated: “Theatres, operas, dance and music shows can return as part of open-air performances” and yesterday it was announced that live music and events can return indoors from tomorrow, but they will be subjected to reduced capacity and electronic ticketing systems.
There have been no indoor music or performance events since March, causing waves of worry throughout the entertainment industry. London’s West End big shows including Les Miserable, Mary Poppins, Hamilton and Phantom of the Opera will not return until 2021, causing many to ask the question: “What’s next?”
Other popular events including Latitude Festival, Download Festival and our very own events here in the North East including This is Tomorrow, Lindisfarne Festival and even The Killers’ date at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough have all faced postponements until 2021 or cancellations.
Whilst the Government had announced indoor test events would take place to help plan for the return, many initiatives have also been started. One initiative includes the #saveourvenues campaign, started by the Music Venue Trust, raising £1 million so far. And with social distancing measures still in place, many venues will still find it difficult to open their doors.
A specially created Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle has been developed to welcome back music to the North East. This venue is the UK’s first socially-distanced concert venue with a 2,500 capacity. Due to take place this month, fans will arrive by car and follow guidelines including one-way toilet systems.
Many artists and performers have taken to social media to entertain fans and release new music during the pandemic.
Following the announcement from the Culture Secretary, it is only now that artists can return to the stage following guidelines. But with so many restrictions in place, only time will tell if music venues can take the strain – so let’s support them as much as we possibly can.
