Summer 2020 can still be saved—if you happen to be a resident of the United Kingdom, that is. The UK government recently confirmed that starting July 11, outdoor festivals, gigs, and theatre events are allowed to resume if organizers adhere to preventive COVID-19 restrictions.
In a press release, Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said outdoor events must ensure “a limited and socially distanced audience.” Additionally, organizers of outdoor events will be required to use electronic ticketing and attendees will be prompted to supply specific information when purchasing tickets to aid contact tracing efforts in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Outdoor events are not the only live events coming back to the UK. Part of the gradual return to in-person gatherings encompasses several scheduled indoor test events, which include performances at the London Symphony Orchestra at St Luke’s Church, the London Palladium, and Butlin’s holiday parks. These measures represent the UK’s third phase of live event reopenings. Phases four and five, which will allow more widespread indoor performances, have no set start date yet.