Indoor and outdoor live performances are permitted

Following government advice, performing arts activities are permitted indoors and outdoors, within the legal gathering limits.

Doorstep gigs – come rain or shine, bring music to your street by gigging on your doorstep. It’s quick and simple to set up, you could even decide the night before so really there’s no excuse! To get started read our short step-by-step guide.

Social gatherings – indoor and outdoor social gatherings are allowed (although the limit on numbers differs in each of the UK nations so do check the guidance). So if you’re organising an informal musical gathering, you are permitted to do so under the social gathering guidance.

Outdoor performances – outdoor activities can take place, although the guidelines differs in each UK nation. If you want to perform in a park or bandstand, you will need permission from the local authority. As local authorities all have different rules and regulations, we would encourage you to think outside the box and host your event on private land – for example, if you’re lucky enough to live out in the countryside, ask the local farmer if you could set up in their field for the day…it’s worth a try!

Events in official venues – indoor live events are possible! However, check the guidance for each UK nation.

Top Tip!

Live stream if possible – even if your event has a live audience (albeit the neighbour across the street, next doors kids in the garden or a flock of Boreray sheep), it’ll enable more people to see it virtually. Check out our two minute video guides to live streaming on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as our live streaming toolkit (all found on the Resources page).

Other things to think about include: 

When planning your event, make sure you consider whether there is adequate space to maintain social distancing, whether there is adequate ventilation, are there facilities for hand washing or hand sanitiser etc. Do you need a risk assessment? See guidance from The Musicians Union.

Have a Plan B and C should the situation change at short notice!

Don’t forget: All gigs and activities should be organised to allow for social distancing to be maintained

Unsure of the specific rules in your region? 

Check the latest guidance for each UK nation via Making Music’s web tool here

Guidelines covering rehearsing and performing for the different nations of the UK can be found here: 

• The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) guidelines cover England.
• In Northern Ireland, it’s the Arts Council of Northern Ireland document: In the Bubble of Our Making: Reopening the Arts in Northern Ireland 
• The Scottish Government published Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for the performing arts and venues sector 
• The Welsh Assembly have published Rehearsing, performing and taking part in the performing arts: guidance for a phased return