Chelmsford's first concert after lockdown hopes to usher in new freedoms
The event is planned just days after social contact limits could be lifted
A sell out concert featuring a house and garage orchestra is set to take place in Chelmsford this summer – just days after when limits on social contact could be lifted.
But organisers of The House and Garage Orchestra in Admirals Park, which is scheduled for June 25, say much will depend on Government announcements on the rules surrounding mass gathering like concerts.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson could declare an end to social distancing on June 21 as part of the four-step plan to easing lockdown in England.
Although concert bosses say they will reschedule to 2022 should harsher coronavirus measures be in place by summer.
Organiser Steve Cochrane said:
“If there is any government guidance that restricts us to less than 4,000 people we are going to keep to the government guidelines.”
It is yet to be decided whether people will have to show Covid passports or proof they are safe to mingle.
Mr Cochrane added:
“We want to work in the government guidelines.
“We won’t know until probably the end of May what we need to know.
“None of us know yet – but whatever it is, we will work to every Government guideline there is.
“That’s all we can do – fingers crossed and hope that we can hold the event and if not, it will be rescheduled until next year unfortunately.”
The House and Garage Orchestra Concert will feature 3 of a Kind and their smash hit ‘Baby Cakes’.
Alongside will be Shola Ama, Kele le Roc, Mc Neat, Sweet Female Attitude, Shelley Nelson, Scott & Leon, Lifford Shillingford, Sabrina Washington from Mis-Teeq who will be performing the smash hit garage anthems All I Want, Why and One Night Stand.
The concert will be the first mass outdoor gathering in Chelmsford since lockdown last year.
For the council it spells the start of what could be the beginning of much-needed income streams. The council has been left millions in deficit after being unable to raise important funding because of the closure of its leisure facilities and parks.
Mr Cochrane is also organising two other events – in Maldon and Southend – where the same issues are awaiting clarity from the Government.
He added:
“Hopefully it will be alright – if it isn’t they will be rescheduled or people get a refund.”