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Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

The Government has updated and published its guidance on working safely during Coronavirus in the Performing Arts – and we have updated our guidance on how this relates to musicians accordingly.

Published: 01 December 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM

The Government’s new tier three system for England is due to begin on Wednesday 2 December, and we have been publishing details on how these restrictions will affect musicians as they have been confirmed with us.

The Performing Arts guidance has now been published on the Government’s website – with the main changes being a U-turn that allows music venues in Tier 2 to serve alcohol without substantial meals, changes to our advice for education, recording and broadcasting, and orchestras across all three tiers.

Musicians in England should check our page Covid-19 restrictions page for the advice relevant to them.

Be sure your voice is heard

In order to present the Government with undeniable evidence on the action that they must take to protect musicians, we need proof. Please take part in our fourth Covid-19 impact survey to make sure that your voice is heard.

This time we’re asking for more detailed information, including your region and gender, so that we can reflect the changing restrictions geographically.

Be sure your voice is heard – take our Covid-19 impact survey to help us help musicians.

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