Prime Minister's announcement brings the return of live performance a little bit closer
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a four-stage plan for the easing of lockdown restrictions
Last updated 22nd Feb 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement about the easing of lockdown restrictions amid the global COVID pandemic has included a guidelines on when concert venues could reopen and with it a return to live performance.
According to the four-stages outlined by the PM in the House of Commons, theatres and concert venues could reopen to socially-distanced audiences no earlier than 17 May. Full details on criteria for reopening can be found on the UK Government website.
The measures detail that up to 1,000 people or 50% of a venue’s capacity, whichever is lower, will be permitted from 17 May, as will outdoor events with a capacity of either 50% or 4,000 people, whichever is lower.
The government also says that large, outdoor, seated venues where crowds can be safely distributed, allowing up to 10,000 people or 25% of total seated capacity, whichever is lower.
The final stage in easing restrictions will take place no earlier than 21 June and will see all limits removed on social contact. Nightclubs will open, so too large events.
In anticipation of these key dates, it is understood that the Events Research Programme will determine the risks associated with bringing together larger crowd sizes and reduced social distancing. These findings will drive changes to restrictions on large scale events.
Soon after the announcement, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra voiced a note of caution, saying,
“We welcome today’s announcement as a positive first step in the process, but more detailed information is required if performing arts organisations are to be able to plan for the future with any certainty.
"Opening concert venues for a handful of audience members is not economically viable without further government support. The focus of the discussion should be on when we are likely to see venues return to fuller capacities. We are still completely in the dark as to what conditions and criteria will be required in order for this to happen. Until we have this information, it is difficult to find a way out of the situation in which we find ourselves.
"During the course of the pandemic the RPO has regularly tracked the public’s views on music and the tangible role it plays. Seven in ten (71%) people who listened to orchestral music during isolation cited tangible and lasting positive impacts on their mood and wellbeing, while 41% of people regard music as among Britain’s greatest exports to the world. The performing arts will continue to play a valuable role long after the pandemic has passed, and it is vital that everything is done now to bring the industry back from the precipice and ensure its long term future.”