Reading and Leeds Festivals to go ahead this year
The organisers have confirmed they're going ahead with the events in August
Reading and Leeds music festivals will go ahead this summer according to their organisers. It follows the Government’s announcement of a road map out of lockdown, giving hope that other large events can happen this year as well.
The sister events – known for their mix of rap, rock and pop – are due to take place between August 27 and 29 after both were cancelled in 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic.
According to plans announced on Monday, the Government hopes to lift all remaining restrictions on social contact by June 21 at the earliest.
This would mean larger events can go ahead and nightclubs can finally reopen.
Confirming their 2021 events would go ahead, the official Reading and Leeds Twitter account posted: “Following the Government’s recent announcement, we can’t wait to get back to the fields this summer. LET’S GO.”
Reading will return to the Richfield Avenue venue while Leeds will once again take place in Bramham Park.
Stormzy, Liam Gallagher, Post Malone, Catfish And The Bottlemen, Disclosure and Queens Of The Stone Age are all scheduled to headline across the weekend.
Acts including Charli XCX, Yungblud, rapper Jack Harlow, rockers Neck Deep and Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid were recently added to the bill.
The UK festival circuit has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic with its 2020 season effectively wiped out.
In January Glastonbury was cancelled for a second successive year after organisers said they had tried to “move heaven and earth”.
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has launched an inquiry into the future of festivals.
Festivals added £1.76 billion in gross value to the economy in 2019, with almost one in three Brits watching Glastonbury on TV.
The roadmap out of lockdown
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.