*
banner

Indoor performance easing decision in England met with disdain

The announcement to allow socially distanced live indoor performances in England from this weekend has been met with extensive and widespread criticism.

Seats
  The Government hopes to see at least some seats filled form the weekend on...

The UK Government has announced that live indoors performances will be able to return in England at venues from this Saturday (15th August), although only with socially distanced audiences and with compliance with extensive health and safety requirements.

The new guidance will not apply in areas where local lockdown measures are in place.

Tougher enforcement measures in respect to the wearing of facemasks where required will also be implemented — with repeat offenders liable to a fine of up to £3,200.

No change

There is no change to the current rules for amateur music making rehearsals covering groups such as brass bands.

It is understood that that has been no further change to the regulations in force in Scotland which is currently implementing Phase 3 of its guidance, or Wales, where indoor play areas, swimming pools, leisure centres, indoor fitness centres and gyms were able to reopen in Wales on 10th August.

The position in Northern Ireland remains the same. These administrations will set their own timings and guidance on changes to regulations and guidance when it is felt appropriate.

Return

Venues in England will need to follow the latest, detailed Stage Four guidance issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to take effect from 15th August, with the Prime Minster Boris Johnson reportedly stating that the decision,"...will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed".

To see guidance for people who work in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants, go to:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts?fbclid=IwAR0xQ3_D5PAlTsWZ4nS-Zq80d1j45Y7BfU_GHnnxGjt5Hzp6H0WrslSqPr8#arts-4-7

However, he quickly added that the Government, "...will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus".

The news was released on Twitter at around 11.00pm on Thursday evening, with Government Minister Oliver Dowden saying it was, "Another important step on the recovery of the arts, helped by our £1.57bn rescue package."

In other areas of Europe some relaxed measures are being further considered with venues in Switzerland being allowed to consider up to 1000 people being allowed into concert halls under certain conditions.

Disdain

In response however, his view was greeted with an outpouring of disdain, with people highlighting the lack of detail surrounding the 'rescue package' and the help that is still not available to freelance workers.

It was also pointed out that huge questions remain over the financial viability of socially distanced audiences and the implementation of hugely expensive health and safety requirements, and even a fundamental lack of understanding from the Government of how theatres and concert hall venues actual work in being able to provide entertainment on less than two days notice.

The current guidance still states that "Singing and playing wind and brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities..."4BR

Meaningless

Although there was some support for the decision on social media, it was a clear minority.

A number of people called the announcement "meaningless", whilst others said the government had "not listened to anyone with any knowledge of how theatres work" and even "what clownery is this... cracking it out at 10.46 pm telling theatres they can whip a show out of the bag with less than 48 hours notice?"

Many highlighted the Government's help given to the restaurant sector with its 'eat out' subsidy initiative and felt that it would be better to await extensive results from research into areas such as aerosol production for performers and musicians before allowing venues to re-open.

High risk

The current guidance still states that "Singing and playing wind and brass instruments, especially in groups, are considered higher risk activities because of the potential for aerosol production and the absence presently of developed scientific analysis to assess this specific risk.

The evidence is being developed rapidly, but — in this initial phase — additional risk mitigation should therefore be considered in these contexts."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd