The Government has published a four-step roadmap to loosen covid restrictions across England during 2021. Although there are dates announced, each step will be assessed before restrictions ease, so we should take this into consideration when planning.

What does the Roadmap mean for the Outdoor Arts sector?

Of course, there is clarity needed around outdoor performance, but there are some good signs. Step 2 sees outdoor facilities opening – which may include some elements of outdoor performance – and also includes Drive-In performances. Step 3 directly addresses the more formal ‘outdoor theatres’, with measures for the opening of much larger events with strict capacity guidelines. Step 4 appears to be a full removal of restrictions, including large events and all performances.

It is important to emphasise that the dates outlined are not set in stone, and we must manage our expectations when planning; we remember that there were significant restrictions that affected outdoor performances at very short notice around Christmas. However, the roadmap does offer much hope for Outdoor Arts and the wider cultural sector this summer.

Here is an overview of the roadmap, highlighting measures relating to work and outdoors, taken from the government’s own summary. To help with context, we have noted other wider measures.

Step 1 (8 Mar)

Step 1 is largely focused on childcare and the return to education for children and some university students, as well as care home visits.

  • ‘Stay at Home’ requirement remains
  • People can leave their homes for outdoor recreation with their household, bubble or with one person.

Step 1 addendum (from 29 Mar)

Some additional loosening of outdoor gatherings.

  • Outdoor gatherings of 6 people or 2 households will be approved, including private gardens.
  • Outdoor sports facilities may reopen, alongside formally organised outdoor sports.
  • ‘Stay at Home’ requirement ends, but work from home where possible.

Step 2 (no earlier than 12 Apr)

This step sees the opening of various facilities, addressing outdoor activities.

  • Non-essential retail (shops, hairdressers) and public buildings (libraries, community centres) reopen.
  • Most outdoor attractions and settings (zoos, theme parks) reopen – although wider social contact rules still apply.
  • Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted.
  • Indoor leisure facilities (gyms, swimming pools) reopen – for people on their own or within households.
  • Hospitality venues can serve people outdoors only. No meal requirement, no curfew, but must be seated.
  • Also some loosening on self-contained holiday accommodation, and numbers at weddings, receptions and commemorative events.

Step 3 (no earlier than 17 May)

This step sees specific measures relating to the return of outdoor performances.

  • Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
  • Outdoor performances such as outdoor theatres and outdoor cinemas can reopen. Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will apply (remaining under review).
  • Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues (cinemas, theatres, soft play areas), the accommodation sector, and indoor group sports resume.
  • Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) allowed
  • Larger performances in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
  • In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).
  • Also further numbers for weddings, receptions, wakes and funerals. and adding other life events, such as bar mitzvahs and christenings.

Step 4 (no earlier than 21 June)

Here we see the possibility of the return of large scale events.

  • Aiming for the removal of all legal limits on social contact.
  • Aiming to reopen nightclubs, and lift restrictions on large indoor and outdoor events and performances that apply in Step 3.
  • Possible decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.

Government Socio-economic Analysis

There is significant socio-economic analysis behind the roadmap; here are some pertinent points, relating to employment and the importance of community and wellbeing – key elements of Outdoor Arts practice.

Step 2 Socio-economic Analysis:

  • Public buildings and spaces play a vital role in the economic and social life of communities… All public spaces have important benefits that help create local attachments and a sense of belonging to a community.

Step 3 Socio-economic Analysis:

  • The arts, entertainment and recreation sector has been hit very hard by the pandemic. Pre-COVID-19, this sector was worth £18.3 billion GVA UK wide and had 473,000 jobs. GVA output (compared to Feb) fell by 46% in April, and subsequently to 33% in November; in no month since March has output been above 77% of pre-pandemic levels.
  • The sector as a whole has also had a high take-up of the furlough scheme, with 455,000 furloughed at peak in spring, and 293,000 furloughed at the end of November. Between 25 January and 7 February, 44% of businesses in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector has paused trading.
  • Reopening these sectors can allow these businesses to recover revenues and bring back employees.
  • The relaxation of social contact rules is likely to have a positive impact on well-being as people will be able to socialise and meet friends and family indoors for the first time in several months. Restrictions on social contact have had adverse mental health and wellbeing impacts. 

Events Research Programme (from April)

In Spring, there will be a series of pilots using testing approaches and other measures to run events with larger crowd sizes and reduced social distancing. The findings – from across different sectors – to determine a consistent approach to lifting restrictions on these events.

Click here to read the full guidance: COVID-19 Response Spring 2020

Pages 25-26: the Four Tests (before each step)

Page 34 (Para 111): Opening outdoor facilities (Step 2)

Page 35: Socio-economic analysis (Step 2)

Page 37 (Para 120 b): Opening outdoor theatres (Step 3)

Page 38: Socio-economic analysis (Step 3)

Page 40 (Para 132): Opening large events, including music festivals (Step 4)

Page 40 (Paras 133-134): Events Research Programme

Image: ‘L’Uomo’ by Lo-Giudice at GDIF 2020 (pic: Camilla Greenwell / Warren King)