It has been over a year since the first confirmed cases of Coronavirus were reported in the United Kingdom, and the UK was on the verge of progressing into the first national lockdown of its kind, subsequently causing havoc to life as we knew it, and the events industry.
Fast forward to today and we are in the middle of lockdown three. With many 2020 events postponed to 2021, and current restrictions set to ease on February, 22nd, where are we in terms of the events and festivals industry going ahead in 2021?
2021 Events and Festivals
Unfortunately, despite the UK's mass vaccination programme, it is unlikely huge events and big weddings will be the same as pre-Covid for a "few years". Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London has warned Britons to "expect some changes to large gatherings for some time".
However, despite large-scale events like Glastonbury already being cancelled, smaller-scale festivals and events could still go ahead. MPs have recently been informed that with the right measures in place, events are "as safe as Sainsbury's", despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rowan Cannon, director of festival organisers Wild Rumpus told the House of Commons Culture Select Committee, which is examining the live music sector, that "the idea that the festivals can't go ahead and be socially-distanced is inaccurate."
The Events Industry Must Get Creative
Events and festivals have the potential to go ahead when lockdown restrictions ease, but only if the events industry gets creative and rethinks events. Events will no longer be the same as pre-Covid, but with the right procedures and infrastructures, there is no reason why shows cannot go ahead, despite the threat of Coronavirus still lurking.
Here are some of the main procedures and infrastructures The Events Structure expect to see in post-lockdown events:
- Outdoor spaces over indoor venues - with the risk of coronavirus transmission lower outdoors, many event organisers will relocate their event outdoors, and use open temporary event structures that allow for air ventilation when and where needed.
- Bigger event spaces, smaller audiences - to allow for easily enforced social distancing guidelines, many organisers will opt for bigger venue space to host their event, with smaller guest lists and fewer tickets available.
- Covid testing and security checks - with Covid-19 testing readily available, many events may require a negative coronavirus test on arrival, or temperature checks to prevent an outbreak from occurring. Further, more security checks will be issued and contact details required for NHS Track and Trace.
- Staggered arrival times and separate ingress and egress points - designated timeslots for ticketholders will be required to prevent overcrowding, particularly for larger events. Similarly, separate entrance and exit points would be appropriate.
- Social distancing at the forefront - social distancing will be a fundamental aspect of every event, big or small, with one-way queuing systems and social distancing markers the norm.
- Compulsory mask-wearing - mask-wearing will be compulsory particularly in enclosed spaces, when talking to staff, using facilities and whilst queuing.
- Hand sanitiser stations - to stop the spreading of bacteria, hand sanitiser stations will be readily available throughout events.
- More facilities and toilets - with good hygiene at the centre of events, we predict more facilities and toilets will available on-site to avoid crowds. Facilities and toilets will be rigorously cleaned with handwashing and sanitiser stations available.
- More first aid and security on-site - to ensure the necessary precautions are being taken to protect the livelihoods of attendees, we can expect to see more first aid and security on-site than usual.
- Restrictions on alcohol - possible restrictions on alcohol maybe enforced to stop attendees breaking social distancing rules.
With the right procedures and infrastructures in place and a little creativity, there is no reason why events cannot resume once lockdown eases. Temporary event structures can help with the provision of events of all sizes.
For more information on roadshow trucks, exhibition trailers, customised containers, mobile showrooms and promotional vehicles, get in touch with The Events Structure team today on 0161 821 1010.