Tramlines Festival to go ahead as part of government's pilot events programme
Tramlines Festival is set to go ahead next month as part of the government's pilot events programme.
The event will take place from 23-25 July in Sheffield with a full capacity audience of 40,000 people as part of the Events Research Programme.
Coronavirus restrictions are currently due to end on 19 July, however research is continuing after this date to build up further data and trial the use of the NHS app for certification, according to the festival’s website.
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Attendees to the music festival will be asked to provide evidence of either a negative coronavirus test result from the last 48 hours or proof of having had two doses of the vaccine.
The Streets, Royal Blood and Richard Ashcroft are scheduled to play at the sold out event.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the event would provide “more vital scientific evidence” and build on the “successful” pilots that have taken place already.
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Tramlines operations director Timm Cleasby said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to confirm that Tramlines 2021 is going ahead, having accepted the Government’s invitation to join the Events Research Programme.
“This means we have a proven framework to follow, which at previous events has shown that festivals can be enjoyed at no more risk than other activities.
“Once inside, there will be no need for social distancing and no-one will have to wear a mask if they don’t want to.”
He added: “We would like to express our solidarity with those festivals which have not been able to go ahead this year and those which are still seeking clarity.
“It is very important to us that clear guidance is made available quickly to the entire event community so that as many festivals as possible can go ahead with confidence this summer.
“Huge ticket sales across the sector show how keen fans are to come to our events and we want to help reassure them that we can welcome them back safely.”
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Other events that have taken place as government test pilots include Download Festival, the Brit Awards and the FA Cup final.
Last week it was revealed there were “no substantial outbreaks” of coronavirus among the tens of thousands of people who have attended test events.
With reporting by PA.
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