British cultural secretary confirms outdoor theatre can resume from July 11

The British cultural minister revealed yesterday that outdoor theatre and music may resume in the UK from July 11.

The decision will see the British theatre industry take its first steps to returning back to some degree of normality. Mr Dowden has also said that pilots of smaller indoor performances, with appropriate social distancing in place, will also be trialed. Mr Dowden made the following statement at an official press meeting;

“Our culture, heritage and arts are too precious to lose. That’s why we’re protecting venues like theatres from redevelopment if they fall on hard times.

“We are also giving further clarity on restart dates in our roadmap back to performance.

“From July 11 we can all enjoy performances outdoors with social distancing and we are working hard to get indoor audiences back as soon as we safely can, following pilots.

“Our scientific research project will also help speed up this journey.

“Combined with our £1.57bn rescue package, this is a comprehensive plan to help our brilliant arts organisations weather the covid storm and bounce back stronger.”

Further guidance on how outdoor performances will take place will be published at a later date.