Music events could return from May, according to Boris Johnson’s plans to lift the coronavirus lockdown.
Festivals and gigs have largely been cancelled since the start of the pandemic last year, with only a handful being able to go ahead with social distancing restrictions in place.
As the infection rate of the virus drops in the UK and more people in the at-risk groups receive the vaccine, the government have created a “roadmap” out of lockdown, with restrictions lifted in stages.
Schools are due to reopen on March 8, with two families or a group of six being allowed to meet outdoors from March 29. Outdoor sports facilities will also open on that date, while April will see the reopening on non-essential retail and the potential for the return of outdoor hospitality e.g. al fresco dining.
Music fans will have to wait until May to potentially be able to watch live music again, with Johnson’s plans marking out that month as the point where sports and music events could possibly return. If they do, however, they will likely come back with mass testing as a requirement.
At present, it is unclear whether there will be social distancing restrictions on those events or a maximum capacity that promoters must stick to. While big festivals could still be off the cards, smaller gigs should be able to take place as restrictions lift. The roadmap also does not suggest when indoor venues might be able to open.
Johnson will detail his plan to get out of lockdown in a press conference scheduled for 7pm tonight (February 22).
The restrictions being lifted won’t come soon enough to save some of this year’s festivals. Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis has already confirmed that the 2021 edition of the Worthy Farm bash won’t go ahead.
“In spite of our efforts to move Heaven & Earth, it has become clear that we simply will not be able to make the Festival happen this year,” a statement on the festival’s website read. “We are so sorry to let you all down.”
READ MORE: Will festivals happen in 2021?
