Three-quarters of people in the UK are keen to return to socially distanced live music events in 2020, according to a new survey by Skiddle.
More than 80 per cent of the 200,000 respondents surveyed said they plan to attend a concert within three months of lockdown ending, with 65 per cent of those eager to get back within the first month.
In addition, tickets have been purchased for 2021 events by 38 per cent of respondents, with a further 47 per cent saying they’d be happy to buy tickets for next year before the end of 2020.
Another 38 per cent said they did not believe ticket prices would increase following the reopening of venues that have been shuttered due to COVID-19, while 37 per cent said they did think tickets would become more expensive.
While outdoor events are likely to be the first to return when restrictions are lifted, over 70 per cent said they were planning to attend both indoor and outdoor events post-lockdown.
Over half of those surveyed also said that they would be willing to attend a seating-only event (with at least one empty seat between those who do not live together) in order to comply with social distancing.
Meanwhile, in a separate survey, 95 per cent of Skiddle’s event organisers and promoters said they had not received enough information from the government regarding future events.
The firm found that the financial viability of social-distanced and reduced capacity events was one of the primary concerns raised by promoters, as was the general size of venues (especially where club nights and gigs are concerned).
The news follows yesterday’s announcement in England that the two-metre distancing rule will be dropped in favour of a “one-metre-plus” approach from July 4. In addition, theatres and concert halls have been given the green light to reopen from the same date, though live performances will not be permitted.
When asked what they needed in order to run socially distanced events, many said clear guidelines from the government were a priority. Other responses ranged from ‘large, open-air spaces’ to ‘staggered entry’ and ‘immunity testing’.
Skiddle co-founder Richard Dyer said: “What is clear from these results is that music fans are busting to get back out there, with around two-thirds of our customers planning to watch live music within one month of lockdown lifting.
“That’s obviously great news for the industry, but there’s a major problem. The people who organise and promote live music events do not have what they need to make it happen.
“What the live sector needs is clear and constructive guidelines from the government on capacities, sanitation, testing and more. Only then can the industry begin to get back on its feet.”
Image: Skiddle
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