What July 19th means for the events industry

The government have outlined that from July 19th COVID restrictions are set to be dropped and those remaining industries that have been shut since the start of the pandemic can now start reopening without social distancing measures. The pandemic isn't over but the loosening of restrictions is coming as a result of the success of the vaccination drive.

We're going to see nightclubs, gigs and festivals all be able to go ahead for the rest of the summer and beyond. Unfortunately, this news has come too late for many events that have had to postpone until next year, particularly festivals that were never offered adequate insurance by the government. 

Here, we'll break down what's happening in stage 4:

 

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 No more rule of 6

The rule of 6 is no more! From now on you don't need to worry about how many people are in your garden or are coming to the pub with you as limits on gatherings are being removed. Remember that this does not come into effect until July 19th. Other events such as weddings and funerals will also no longer be affected by limited capacity which will bring relief to plenty of people. 

As mentioned before, this means that the previous ban on nightclubs and large outdoor gatherings will also be lifted. Summer is back on!

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 Social Distancing

Boris Johnson has revealed that face coverings will also no longer be a requirement but down to individual preference. He said that he is ready to "allow people to make their own informed decisions about how to manage the virus", using the example of a train to say that he would not wear a mask if the carriage was empty but it would be a wise decision to do so if busy.

The 1/2 metre guidance of staying apart from others has also been relaxed, now only applying if someone is COVID positive and self-isolating or in entry to the UK via airports or other ports. You won't need to distance yourself when queuing up to enter a venue now!

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Entering venues and events 

It is no longer required from July 19th that you need to prove your COVID protection status when entering venues and attending events. The domestic COVID passport idea will not be needed. However, firms can choose to use the COVID status certification system should they wish, meaning that some events may still ask for your vaccination status or for a negative test if they want those safety measures.

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Self-isolating

You will still need to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID and have symptoms. Track and Trace will still be in use so your close contacts will still be needed and other people you live with will have to isolate too. If you do not have symptoms then the people you live with do not need to isolate with you. 

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What about Wales, Ireland or Scotland?

The three nations have not yet confirmed if they will follow England but Wales are hoping to announce their steps next Wednesday whilst Scotland are looking to do a further reopening on August 9th. In Northern Ireland, significant restrictions are being lifted including the re-opening of live music venues and caps on outdoor organised gatherings such as festivals. They will have a further review on July 8th.

 

Now, we can look forward to the future and try to make the most of the rest of 2021. On Skiddle, we have plenty of events to look forward to and here are a select few to give you some ideas...

 

The Summer Of Love Festival

When: Saturday 21st- Sunday 22nd August

Where: The Love Factory, Manchester

The Summer Of Love is a new festival coming to Manchester this year, brought to us by Animal Crossing who are also running a new venue called Square One. This new festival takes over an abandoned warehouse in Manchester city centre and turns it into a hub for underground music.

Spanning across three stages, names such as Praslesh, Onur Ozer, Ethel and many more will be playing. With a large emphasis on community, the festival also offers connective experiences such as yoga classes, a wellness area and even a record fair. This will be a true celebration that will make you feel right at home.

 

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Funkademia is Back! 

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When: Saturday 24th July

Where: Mint Lounge, Manchester

Funkademia returns! The club night held at the Mint Lounge is Manchester's longest weekly club night and they can't wait to welcome you back after a long 16 months away. Every Saturday night they will be putting on funk, soul, disco, Hip Hop and house classics and some party bangers too.

Situated in the heart of the Northern Quarter, the DJs behind the event will be dusting off their records to bring you the best anthems. It'll be a night of iconic tunes and an atmosphere that's been sorely missed.

 

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Positive Vibration- Festival of Reggae

When: Friday 10th- Saturday 11th September

Where: Baltic Triangle, Liverpool

Returning to the Baltic Triangle in Liverpool this year will be Positive Vibration, a reggae festival that brings together both older and upcoming artists from the genre. It's quickly become a favourite for reggae fans across the country and it has hosted some internationally renowned bands, genre legends and top selectors.

This year the names on the bill include General Levy, Congo Natty, Hollie Cook and Gentleman's Dub Club. It's going to be one of their biggest years so far and don't miss out on the Q+A's they host too with key industry and genre figures.

 

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Bicep Live

When: Tuesday 7th December

Where: Corn Exchange Edinburgh

It is always a huge deal when Bicep comes to town. The massive electronic duo will be heading up to Edinburgh later this year to blow away any chill from a cold December night. Playing at the Corn Exchange, ravers will finally get a chance to hear tracks from their most recent album 'Isles' which went to #2 in the UK charts.

Their reputation as a live act precedes them and it's going to be one of the best nights of the year. With the full support yet to be announced, keep your eyes peeled on this one.

 

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Cirque Du Soul- Nottingham

When: Monday 19th July

Where: Rock City, Nottingham

What better way to celebrate on the day that restrictions lift than with a dance? Finally, after such a long period of time, we can get up and move without socially distancing, free to enjoy ourselves. Cirque Du Soul is a great shout, as the travelling carnival of raving always put on a spectacular show.

Only the most vibrant party-goers may apply as you get to experience a night of house, techno, dance music and more amongst some seriously impressive production.

 

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Chloe Foy

When: Saturday 9th October

Where: The Louisiana, Bristol

There's no need for socially distanced gigs anymore, so welcome back to crowded rooms that feel intimate as you stand in awe of the musician in front of you. Folk artist Chloe Foy released her long-awaited album 'Where Shall We Begin' in June which was a heartfelt ode to getting through a difficult chapter of life and adapting to change.

You'll be able to see her perform her intricate and melodic songs in the flesh and be completely entranced by her playing of the acoustic guitar. This will be a special gig and the surroundings of The Louisiana lend themself perfectly to her impactful vocals.

 

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Megan Thee Stallion

When: Friday 10th September

Where: Depot (Mayfield), Manchester

One of the biggest names in hip-hop right now is Megan Thee Stallion. So it seems like quite a coup that The Warehouse Project are bringing her to Manchester this year. It seems as though every summer she makes that one track that is everywhere, last year it was 'WAP' with Cardi B and this year 'Thot Shit' is definitely a contender.

An uncompromising lyricist, Megan Thee Stallion has gained millions of fans with her fantastic flows, slick production and incredible aesthetics. She'll be joined by Tion Wayne, Princess Nokia, Shygirl and Jordss making this an incredible lineup of artists. Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 9th).

 

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WHP21- Curated by Four Tet

When: Saturday 9th October

Where: Depot (Mayfield), Manchester

It's fair to say that The Warehouse Project are smashing it this year and here's another brilliant event that they're putting on at Depot. In October Four Tet will be bringing his amazing live show as well as curating the rest of the lineup himself and it is mightily impressive.

Names such as DJ EZ, Goldie, Joy Orbison and Hunee have all been picked to play across this huge day of acts. The opening set will start at 13:30 and will last for five hours between Floating Points and Ben UFO. This one is going to go off.

 

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Slowthai

When: Thursday 2nd September

Where: Hare and Hounds, Birmingham

Slowthai let us into his second chapter this year with the release of his album 'Tyron' which featured Skepta, Asap Rocky and Denzel Curry. His live sets are always messy and chaotic, it's something that Slowthai thrives off of and he'll be bringing that with him to Birmingham this year.

As comfortable in small venues as he is on the bigger stages, the Hare and Hounds will be the perfect place to experience his energy. Always outspoken and always up for a laugh, Slowthai is one of the best UK rappers around at the moment.

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Sam Divine and Disciples at Ministry of Sound

When: Saturday 24th July

Where: Ministry of Sound, London

Ministry of Sound celebrates its 30th birthday this year. The iconic club and dance music label has been influential in the story of the genre within the UK. There would be no better place to celebrate the re-opening of nightlife than here. They have six weeks of parties lined up which is really spoiling us for choice.

One particular highlight will be this night helmed by Sam Divine and Disciples, for a huge night of house music. The doors are late and the closing time is even later. It's time to get back to glorious all-nighters!

 

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Has the lifting of restrictions got you excited for the rest of 2021? You can take a look at our Festival Finder here and see our Club's Page for even more great events taking place this year.

 

 

 Header image credit: Wendy Wei