TRNSMT boss calls for guidance about return of live events in Scotland
Geoff Ellis says firm dates are needed to let organisers plan for the return of live events in Scotland in 2021.
Last updated 17th Jun 2021
The boss of TRNSMT festival, which is planned to take place in September, is calling for the Scottish Government to release guidance about the eventual return of live events in Scotland.
Geoff Ellis, the CEO of DF Concerts, which runs the event, says they are in the dark, with no information about when Scotland may now make the move to level zero covid restrictions.
TRNSMT is due to be held later than usual this year, in September, rather than July.
Mr Ellis is speaking to Clyde 1 after it was confirmed Scotland's planned move to level zero, at the end of June, is being postponed by at least three weeks.
"Kicked into the long grass"
He said: "Festival and event organisers really need guidance to be issued very, very soon, so that we can plan for events this year.
"Whilst England have understandably delayed opening by a month, they still have a date to work to.
"We don't want to open sooner than it's safe to do so, but we need a date.
"It feels like we've been kicked into the long grass for a decision later, whilst England has just had its metaphorical second jab in the arm, as far as events are concerned, post July 19th."
Speaking in Holyrood on Tuesday, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was hopeful Scotland can still move to a lower level of restrictions in the summer.
She said: "We will opt to maintain restrictions for a further three weeks from June 28 and use that time to vaccinate - with both doses - as many more people as possible.
"Doing that will give us the best chance, later in July, of getting back on track and restoring the much greater normality that we all crave."
The First Minister said the decision would be confirmed in Holyrood next week.
Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi performing on the main stage at TRNSMT in 2019.
Gerry Cinnamon
Gerry Cinnamon performing at TRNSMT in 2019.
Stormzy
Stormzy on the main stage.
Mabel
Mabel performs during the TRNSMT festival at Glasgow Green.