UK Lockdown Roadmap: Pints in pubs, live music in venues and more from Monday

Monday 17th May 2021 will mark another momentous day in the campaign to fight and control the COVID-19 pandemic here in Britain.

Scientific data available to the government shows that infection rates across all four nations are currently at their lowest since September last year. The NHS is now under no imminent threat of becoming overwhelmed by new virus-related hospitalisations and the UK's mortality rate is below average for the time of year. And all of this is largely due to the rollout of the UK's worldbeating vaccination program, which has now given two-thirds of the adult population, or thirty-five million people, their first dose of the vaccine. Music to our ears.

As set out in Boris Johnson's keenly observed 'Roadmap out of Lockdown', we reach step three out of four this Monday. We'll welcome the return of even more of our freedoms, and it won't be long before all other remaining restrictions are completely lifted (five weeks to be precise) on Monday 21st June. But what exactly can we do from Monday? What can we look forward to doing in the coming weeks and months? 

Below, we've compiled a nifty list explaining which attractions, venues and leisure industries are set to make their long-overdue return next week. We've also detailed some of the social contact rules which have will be lifted, some of which you might not be aware of...

Social Contact rules

Six people or two households indoors 

Ditch those winter coats, it's finally time to head back inside. No more garden parties in the typically adverse British weather, we can now sit and chat in the warmth of our own cosy homes with six people or two separate households, for the first time since December 2020. Got friends travelling from afar to see you? Overnight stays will also be permitted from Monday.

Thirty people outdoors

On the off chance the sun decides to show its face, it's understood that Monday's easing of restrictions will also allow for up to thirty people to meet in an outdoor setting. It might be time to start thinking about cleaning that neglected BBQ ready for the summer weather we're all desperately praying for. 

Hugging 

There's been a lot of talk in the media as of late regarding physical and intimate contact, especially hugging, and the spread of the virus. It's felt like a lifetime since any of us have been able to embrace our loved ones! But, with some uneasiness, we can say that from Monday we will in fact be able to hug one another once more.

To help minimise the chance of spreading infection, official government guidance states that hugs should be selective and brief. Yes, that's right. The government have officially published advice on hugging...

Personal and significant events

Weddings, funerals and significant cultural events, such as christenings and bar mitzvahs, will also see some changes from Monday. Up to thirty guests can now attend weddings and receptions whilst the rule of thirty will be lifted for funerals. The number of attendees at a funeral is now dependant on the size of the venue and how many can fit inside whilst abiding by social distancing guidelines. 

Attractions, venues and leisure industries

Travel abroad, Holidays and Accommodation

UK citizens can start booking their jolly jaunts abroad once again as some travel restrictions become eased from the start of next week, although there's a limit on where you can and can't go. To limit the number of new infections coming into the UK through its borders, Secretary of state for Transport Grant Shapps recently unveiled the latest travel traffic light system, listing destinations with an acceptably low level of COVID-19. Countries currently on the green list include Portugal, Gibraltar, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland and the Faroe Islands (and several small British Overseas Territories). 

Don't write off festivals abroad just yet! We've got a good feeling we'll be dancing on a beach, suppin' cocktails, whilst being baked by the summer sun before the summers out. To find out which festivals abroad are still going ahead in 2021, click or tap - here.

For those looking to take a staycation in the UK this year, instead of a foreign holiday, there's also some good news. Hotels, B&B's, campsites and more are open and taking bookings for both business and leisure purposes. Check out our Staycation 2021 Inspire Me page and find cultural events and first-rate attractions in destinations across the UK.  

Indoor and Outdoor hospitality

Bars and restaurants

Let's not pretend that this isn't one of the most important things on this list.

A renowned nation of beer lovers and foodies, the long-awaited return of our dearly beloved public houses, swanky bars and mouthwatering eateries means a great deal to us all.

Welcoming guests indoors from Monday, pub landlords and ladies will be able to serve groups of up to six or two households at pre-booked tables, similar to the conditions we all saw in summer 2020. Likewise, restaurants will also be allowed to serve groups of up to six or two households.

Groups of thirty will be permitted to meet up in beer gardens and there will be no curfew in place at either pubs or restaurants. 

Not quite ready to head inside the pubs just yet? Safety is still a major concern for many of us and if that's the case for you, why not check out some of the fantastic socially distanced outdoor events happening throughout the rest of the year. From food and beer festivals to all-day raves, there's an abundance of excellent COVID compliant events to choose from. For more inspiration, click or tap - here

Theatres and cinemas

It's been an especially tough year for the film, theatre and cinema industries. We've seen highly anticipated blockbuster films, the likes of James Bond, The Batman and Disney's Mulan, and award-winning plays and musical shows postponed or cancelled as a direct result of COVID. But that's all about to change...

As of Monday, theatres and cinemas will be able to welcome guests safely through their doors to experience the magic of the stage and the big screen once more. To see some of the many critically acclaimed live stage shows happening in theatres across the UK in 2021, click or tap - here.

We're all too aware that demand for such indoor entertainment will most likely be incredibly high. If you find yourself struggling to find tickets to attend the cinema or theatre, why not consider experiencing a drive-in cinema or drive-in theatre event. There's a whole host of classic films and immersive performances on show at open-air venues UK wide. For more, click or tap - here

Venues and concert halls

Everyone here at Skiddle is especially excited about this one (obviously), as we're sure all of you are...

Some of our favourite venues and concert halls can begin hosting live performers again from the beginning of next week. Oh yes, you read that right - Live music is back! Albeit with some limitation.

Venues must abide by strict guidelines that specify only fifty percent of a venues entire capacity should be allowed to attend any one event. The amount also differs between indoor and outdoor settings. For example, one thousand people or fifty percent of a venue’s capacity is the maximum cap for indoor events, whereas outdoor events can open to a maximum of four thousand people or fifty percent, whichever is lower.

Larger outdoor venues, such as stadiums or venues which deal specifically with socially distanced events, can cater to even greater numbers - ten thousand people or twenty-five percent of the venue's total capacity, whichever is lower.

Pilot events and tests are currently being carried to measure how large gatherings affect the spread of COVID-19. Take a look at footage from the first trial event in the UK, a two-day warehouse rave in Liverpool, below...

Find out what gigs, raves and festivals are taking place where you are, by clicking or tapping - here.

Other 

Other indoor attractions which can legally reopen from Monday 17th May include museums, art galleries, skating rinks, amusement arcades and adult gaming centres, recreation venues such as escape rooms and paintballing venues, bingos, casinos, bowling alleys, snooker and pool halls, water parks, zoos, soft play centres for kids, heritage sites, such as castles and historic homes, and much more...

Find out what attractions are open where you are, by clicking or tapping - here.

Only thirty-five days remain until we reach the date of the final checkpoint in the roadmap out of lockdown. In just over a months time, we could all be gathered in a nightclub or at a festival, arm in arm, voices in unison, with no social contact restrictions in place. Think of the scenes...

If the data currently being collected at largescale test events across Britain will allow, COVID restrictions could finally become a thing of the past, enabling the return of huge crowds at gigs, festivals, theatres performances and more. Cross your fingers and toes and pray for some good results!

More information about COVID restrictions and the government's roadmap out of lockdown is available on the www.gov.uk website. 

Head over to our Things To Do page for more events happening both indoor and outdoor where you are this weekend, or check out our Festival Finder tool and begin planning your summer of live music.