Outdoor gigs can return with socially distanced audiences this weekend, Government confirms

Jochan Embley9 July 2020

Outdoor gigs will be allowed to return from this weekend as long as audiences are socially distanced, the Government has announced.

The news came as Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden unveiled a number of new measures as the country continues to emerge from lockdown.

As of Saturday July 11, "theatres, operas, dance and music shows" will be allowed to take place as part of open-air performances. A number of protocols will be encouraged, such as reduced capacities and electronic ticketing systems.

Mr Dowden also confirmed that small pilots of indoor performances would be taking place soon "to work out how we can confidently usher socially distanced audiences indoors as soon as possible".

Scientific research into how singing and playing brass and wind instruments affects Covid-19 transmission rates will also be funded by the Government.

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The announcement is the latest boost for the country's music scene, coming days after the Government announced its £1.57bn rescue package for the arts sector.

A number of socially distanced performances have already been confirmed for London, such as a new series of drive-in events featuring Dizzee Rascal, Tony Hadley and others.

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