Live music given the green light from July 5th
Mic check, one two, one two
Last updated 1st Jul 2021
The Executive received an update today on the progression of the Covid-19 epidemic and, in particular the continued advancement of the Delta variant which now accounts for 75% of the cases here.
The statement reads: "This increase in the Delta variant and the case numbers associated with it are very worrying and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We will have a particular focus on the hospitalisations resulting from the increase in cases and the potential pressure on our health service."
"After very careful consideration we have decided to move forward on a select number of areas that focus largely on relaxations in the outdoors environment, which we know to be associated with lower risk."
The Executive has decided that from 2 July, the cap on outdoor gatherings will be removed and the maximum number permitted will be determined by the risk assessment carried out for the venue.
From 5 July all gatherings, indoors and outdoors (not including domestic settings) will now only be subject to a risk assessment if they have more than 15 participants for indoors, or more than 30 participants for outdoors.
Live music will be permitted at licensed and unlicensed hospitality businesses that sell or provide food and/or drink for consumption on the premises. This will be at ambient level only to allow conversation at normal levels and with suitable mitigations in place, such as screens.
Music will be permitted at outdoor events with no restriction on volume.
The number of households permitted to meet outdoors at private dwellings will be increased from three to five, with the maximum number of people remaining at 15, including children.
The Executive has also approved a restart of overnight residential stays for children and young people across all sectors.
Check out some of the gigs we can look forward to this summer:
Foy Vance, Empire Music Hall, September 2021
With new music, comes a whole new tour. Vance announced details of 'An Evening With Foy Vance' his upcoming UK & US tour to celebrate the album's release. And of course, Belfast is included, with an intimate performance in The Empire Music hall on Sunday 12th September 2021!
Dermot Kennedy, Ormeau Park, September 2021
Following his largest ever SOLD OUT Belfast show to date at Belsonic in Ormeau Park, Dermot Kennedy is pleased announce a second headline show - Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September 2021.
Liam Gallagher, September 2021
Liam is scheduled to return to Belfast on Friday 24th September 2021. He'll be joined on stage by Bristol rock band IDLES - who actually have a link to Belfast. Their guitarist Mark Bowen hails from Northern Ireland.
AVA Festival, Boucher Road, September 2021
Set to take place at Boucher Road Playing Fields from 24-25th September 2021, this is going to be a huge event for electronic dance fans. The open air site offers a signature set-up blending industrial design with music, and visual electronic artists.
Laura Marling, Ulster Hall, October 2021
Laura Marling just announced a headline Belfast show at Ulster Hall on Monday 11th October 2021. This will be Laura's first headline tour in the UK in over five years!
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Waterfront Hall, October 2021
BRITs Critics Choice award winner Rag'n'Bone Man is coming to Belfast's Waterfront Hall on 19 October 2021! The tour announcement comes ahead of release of the multi-platinum singer's highly anticipated sophomore album, Life by Misadventure.
Dappy, Limelight, October 2021
Dappy well known for his time with N-Dubz, is back in Belfast this autumn, headlining at Limelight 1 on Sunday 24th October 2021. Dappy released his debut solo album, 'Bad Intentions', in 2012, and since then has put out a number of standalone singles and EPs, as well as guesting on other artists' tracks.
Fatboy Slim, Telegraph Building, October 2021
One of dance music's most iconic figures comes to The Telegraph Building this October to help Shine celebrate their 25th Birthday! Norman Cook AKA Fatboy Slim can't wait for his first Belfast show since Belsonic 2016! You don't want to miss this birthday gig - Saturday 23rd October 2021.
Shane Todd, SSE Arena, November 2021
We're all in need of a laugh right now! Due to phenomenal demand Shane Todd has added a second date to his solo arena show, 'Chancer' on Saturday November 13th 2021. This will be the sixth solo show for one of Northern Ireland's biggest stand up stars.
Belfast Girls LIVE, SSE Arena, November 2021
Big Bernie, Betty, Shankill Joe and all your favourite characters are back and ready to party - kicking off November 5th 2021 at The SSE Arena Belfast. Packed with all new hilarious songs and some old favourites! This is a comedy play you definitely don't want to miss!
Steps, SSE Arena, November 2021
Three years after they staged the most successful comeback of the decade, pop legends STEPS return once again with their exciting new 'What The Future Holds' Tour. They will be joined on stage with special guest Sophie Ellis Baxter on Monday 15 Nov 2021.
Ryan McMullan, Waterfront Hall, November 2021
Following his largest headline show to date at Custom House Square in 2019, Ryan McMullan has sold out one show at Belfast's Waterfront Hall, and has now added an extra date! The Portaferry singer-songwriter who supported Foy Vance and Ed Sheeran is back Friday 19th & Saturday 20th November 2021.
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