Events confirmed as Wales moves out of lockdown
Religious gatherings, sporting events and theatre scheduled over coming weeks
A series of pilot events including sporting fixtures and religious gatherings across Wales have been announced by the Welsh Government as the country comes out of lockdown.
The aim of the test events is to allow the safe return of events in Wales.
Eid and the Welsh language festival Tafwyl kick things off this week, followed by Newport County’s play-off clash on the 18th May.
The Welsh Government say a safe and successful test events programme will hopefully allow larger gatherings back to stadia, theatres and other venues in Wales later this year.
Cardiff’s Eid at the Castle celebration and Tafwyl have been confirmed for this week while discussions with other event owners are ongoing.
The proposed list of all nine pilot test events is as follows:
Eid-al-Fitr
12-14th May (TBA-date is agreed on the eve of the event) | Cardiff | Attendees 300-500
Tafwyl Festival
15th May | Cardiff | Attendees 500
League Two Play Offs fixture Newport County AFC
18th May/Rodney Parade ICCW business event
20th May | Newport | Invited attendees 100 indoors
Championships Play Offs fixture Swansea City AFC
22nd May | Liberty Stadium
Theatre Brycheiniog
3th-4th June |Theatre Brycheiniog Brecon, Powys | Attendees 250
Glamorgan v Lancashire
3-6th June | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | Spectators 750-1000
Wales v Albania
5th June | Cardiff City Stadium | Spectators 4000
Fishguard Triathlon
11th and 12th June | Fishguard/St David’s | Registered participants only First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, said:
“It’s been a long and difficult 18 months for the events industry in Wales – for event owners, those who depend on the sector for the work - and for those who long to see the return of live events to Wales.
“As we look at lifting the coronavirus restrictions in Wales we have worked closely with event organisers to establish a list of pilot test events which take in a range of different locations and types of event. This work is bringing us a step closer to a return to events in Wales, I’d like to thank these event owners and Local Authorities and Health Boards for their commitment in working with us and wish them well over the summer.
“These events are very different in nature and location but access of attendees – whether participants or spectators – is strictly controlled by the organisers and agreed in advance.
“We're asking people to celebrate Eid differently again this year. I very much hope that celebrations at the castle are enjoyed by those with tickets. If you don't have a ticket please celebrate safely with your immediate household or within support bubbles.”