When will live music return to Belfast?
Could we see Belsonic and CHSQ events back this summer? 👇
Last updated 12th Mar 2021
It's been just over a year now since the world went into a spin and we were all told to press pause on everyday life. 12 months on and it feels like not much has changed. One industry that was hit particularly hard was live music and entertainment.
Typically summers in the city are filled with music and banter - from Belfast's busy Cathedral Quarter to live events such as Belsonic and CHSQ. It's fair to say we're all desperate to hear something that hasn't gone viral on TikTok and was performed on a stage rather than through a phone or smart speaker.
Lockdowns are back in place across much of the globe, but gigs are actually happening in a handful of countries that have managed to control the virus. In Australia, even arena shows have returned at partial capacity.
So what's happening here in Belfast? Speaking on Bauer NI's Business Bites, Shine Promoter Joe Dougan shared his thoughts on Covid-19 and this summer's already scheulded events.
"“Live music and live entertainment are a huge contributor to both the Northern Irish economy and to the happiness of the population. I think our Executive has that firmly in mind, they’ve been engaging with the sector and making sure that there is active discussions about a path forward for our events, our venues and all of our other activities.”
What's the latest on Belsonic and CHSQ 2021?
There is an incredible line-up booked for this year's Belsonic festival, artists such as Lewis Capaldi, Picture This, Liam Gallagher...even Lionel Ritchie are scheduled to perform. But will these gigs actually take place?
"We have these summer events scheduled, many of them are sold out, there’s some still on sale," shares Joe. "Like the rest of the UK and Ireland, we’re keeping an eye on the government advice. In Northern Ireland we currently have this phase roadmap, without attributed dates for the release of lockdown and I guess we need to hang back and see what the government advice is going to be for each of the stages.”
Could 'pilot events' be our answer?
As part of the UK's coronavirus roadmap announced by Boris Johnson, an Events Research Programme will begin in England from next month.
Joe adds: "We’re chatting to our partners in the UK, who work in venues like the O2 Arena and the Royal Albert Hall, that are piloting new forms of mitigation for any of these Covid risk factors. We are hoping that there will be a tranche of new pilot events from April 1st and that will continue for two months."
"The idea being that they will try and get as much data as they can about how the virus can be managed and the hope is that once that data starts rolling in, that the same thing will happen here in Northern Ireland. This is something we would be working in tandem with the Executive and Public Health, making sure that everyone is on the same page.”
For a nation of music lovers, it's great to see some form of light at the end of the tunnel!
NI's 9 step 'Pathway to Recovery' program:
Hospitality
All hospitality businesses remain closed with the exception of those who offer takeaway services currently. Restrictions will gradually ease by Phase 3 when premises that serve alcohol, such as restaurants or gastropubs, open their doors offering table service for up to six people from two households.
Wet pubs won't open until Phase 4, and similarly must offer table service for up to six people from two households. Nightclubs will open, with live entertainment and bar service from Phase 5.
Education & Young People
P1 to P3 primary school children will return to school on March 8, and on March 22 secondary school children in key exam years - years 12-14 - will go back to class.
All schoolchildren will be expected to return to class after the Easter holidays.
Further Education and University students are not expected to completely return to face-to-face learning until the final step.
Work
Working from home has become the new normal for so many – and it looks set to stay, well at least until Phase 3. There will be a gradual return to offices and on-site working, with seminars and meetings allowed.
Workplaces should be back up and running by Phase 5.
Retail & Service
Only essential retail services are available right now, with all close contact services closed and curfew on alcohol off-sales. Phase 2 will begin from April 12th which sees the return of Click & Collect non-essential retail, then the off-sales curfew will be lifted in third phase. Close contact services can also resume, with mitigations in place.
The goal would be for all retail and close contact services to open for Phase 5.
Culture, Heritage & Entertainment
Outdoor attractions will reopen under the Executive's new plan in Phase 1. Heritage sites, museums and libraries are available from Phase 3.
Cinemas, concert venues and theatres will reopen during Phase 4, and lastly large outdoor events back for Phase 5!
Home & Community
The stay at home message is still important - but today we've been given a glimpse into what the next few months will look like.
Phase 1 will allow for up to 10 from 1 households to meet outdoors, and by phase 3 there will be a restricted number allowed indoors not at a private dwelling.
Sport & Leisure Activities
Social-distanced sports such as golf and tennis are back up and running, under strict covid regulations.
Outdoor training can kickstart from Phase 2, with leisure centres, pools and gym opening in Phase 3. By the end of Phase 4 there will be a limit to indoor/outdoor spectators, and Phase 5 sees further numbers allowed both indoor and outdoor
Travel
Something we're all looking forward – there hasn't been much movement in terms of travel. Caravan sites and overnight stays at hotels and B&Bs will return in Phase 3, with public transport running at full service with reduced mitigations by Phase 5.
Worship & Ceremonies
Lockdown restrictions currently allow 25 guests to civil partnerships, marriages and funerals. Things ease off slightly, as receptions can take place with mitigation and limited numbers by Phase 3.
Phase 4 sees the return of limited live music and Phase 5 will allow live music, entertainment and dancing at the reception!
Read more:
Covid-19 deaths fall for sixth consecutive week
Northern Ireland's bars and restaurants still in limbo
'Grow up and wise up' message to Covid rule breakers