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New Rules for Social Gatherings in England Announced

We are awaiting further details on what the Government’s new restrictions on social gatherings could mean for musicians in England.

Published: 09 September 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Set up for an outdoor concert, there are lights and a microphone is set up with tables and chairs in the background.
The MU is in discussion with officials to get clear guidance for our members. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Government has announced that social gatherings of more than six people in England will not be allowed in law from Monday 14 September. The new rule applies to people in private homes, indoors and outdoors, and places such as pubs, restaurants, cafes and public outdoor spaces.

They have also said that the rule does not apply to schools and workplaces, but it is not yet clear how this will affect plans to reintroduce indoor live performance.

The Government will be publishing a list of exemptions before the law changes, and the MU is in discussion with officials to get clear guidance for our members. We will provide an update as soon as possible.

We will be posting updates on our Twitter and Facebook channels, and in our regular Covid-19 email update.

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We’re not sure yet how the latest announcement will affect musicians, but we do know that despite constant pressure from the MU, the Government’s response to the issues that the coronavirus pandemic is causing for our members remains woefully inadequate.

Help us make the case to the Government for vital financial assistance for musicians by completing our new survey.

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