government announce delays to lifting of lockdown restrictions

The UK government has announced a 4-week delay to the next stage of lockdown restrictions for the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of ending on Monday 21st June - 7 days away. The regulations over events are now planned to ease with a provisional end date Monday 19th July, but no guarantees.

The rules for festivals and similar outdoor events require them to enforce social distancing, with England having a maximum capacity of either 4000 people or half their standard capacity, whichever is lower. Scotland's maximum capacity is 2000 (depending on area); Wales has 4000 standing or 10000 seating; Northern Ireland has a maximum capacity of 500. With the exception of festivals that have already planned a slimmed-down lower capacity version, we now expect most that were due to take place before 19th July to cancel or postpone, Noisily Festival have already done so in the first hour after the announcement.

Since the much anticipated 21st June date has not been committed to, and with festivals unable to insure against cancellation due to changing government policies, several festivals that were due to take place after the 19th July may also decide not to take the risk of another delay, and postpone until next year.

At eFestivals, we will keep you as up-to-date as possible with information of any news and cancellations, with our coronavirus round-up page covering changes as they happen, as well as each individual listing. Unfortunately, a lot of the news for the rest of the summer looks likely to be disappointing, with the government offering no support or protection to keep the creative arts alive (except when a donor wants help).

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