16th December 2021
Guidance Please find below links to newly published guidance on using the COVID Pass for: Citizens Businesses Workforce This supplements the guidance already shared with you outlining which venues must carry out mandatory certification, equivalent forms of proof, and how to operate the scheme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carrying-out-mandatory-covid-19-status-checks-at-your-venue-or-eve...
14th December 2021
The full banana is very long but some of you may want to read it. Follow the link. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/events-research-programme-phase-ii-and-iii-findings Others may prefer just this press release. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-publishes-final-events-research-programme-reports ...
14th December 2021
AT LAST, THE RESEARCH For the last two years AFO has been searching for a partner to work on festival research. There has been for many years now a great deal of speculation about how many festivals there actually are in the UK. On the basis that AFO represents mostly music festivals we concluded from a variety of resources that 975 music festivals in a normal year, the last being 201...
14th December 2021
The latest advice. I attended a meeting this morning, (13 Dec) organised by LIVE, at which Tom Rodden, the science advisor to DCMS, briefed us on the implications of the current measures being taken to combat the spread of the Omicron variant. Although there is still much for the scientists to understand about this new variant, Tom said that they expect to have real clarity on the risks i...
14th December 2021
Since I last wrote (22 November) we have had howling gales, torrential rain, and even more snow here at AFO Towers. Many of the usual subject have been popping up yet again with a few new ones as follows: 24 November - I was pleased to be invited to attend AFO member Ju Gosling’s Together, which was similar to a conference online with particular reference to accessibility.&nb...
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13th December 2021
Friday 1 – Sunday 3 July 2022, Feanedock woodland, the National Forest. Tickets at www.timberfestival.org.uk Including Penguin Cafe, The Turbans, Josienne Clarke, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, writer Max Porter, beatboxer Testament, films from Kendal Mountain Festival, circus, dance, theatre, and more! Timber Festival will return to the National Forest next summer for three specta...
13th December 2021
The new guidance around mandatory covid checks are (very likely) coming in from Wednesday 15th December. We don’t know when they will be lifted, but after some recent briefings from Gov. science we don’t expect much relief until February 2022. So here is your late-night digest. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carrying-out-mandatory-covid-19-status-checks-at-your-venue-or-event Also n...
13th December 2021
YES!! It’s that Gov re-insurance again. They are still not listening and persist in trying to get us to buy it. This is their latest: "Thank you for your help in spreading the word within the sector. I imagine you are all well aware, but I thought it would be worth flagging that the initial grace period of the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme will soon end. Currently, cover can be purchase...
13th December 2021
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making this year’s Festival. It has been extraordinary to watch the Festival grow from year to year. The range of talent and skills has been so important to showcase, and our emerging artists have been able enjoy moving alongside some wonderful experienced talent. That indicates the robust nature of Disability Arts during this very di...
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13th December 2021
Sadly, after the sad loss of Barry Coope last month we are now somewhat shocked to hear Mike Boston of Great Western Morris and GW ceilidhs has died suddenly. Mike was the life and soul of all and any party. He of the blue and white check jacket was best dancer, trainer and Fool for great western for decades. His amazing charm and dancing skill turned morris dancing into a show, an exhibitio...
11th December 2021
Event Buyers Live is organised by Standout magazine and what a success is was this year with over a hundred companies showing off their wares to several hundred delegates, all of whom had pre-arranged appointments to do their negotiating and buying for the 2022 season. EBL runs across three days and was opened on Monday 6th with a keynote speech from Shaun Wallace who may be known to many as one ...
10th December 2021
Developed by music trade bodies and organisations, the code is designed to set clear environmental standards for UK outdoor events Sustainability initiative Vision:2025 has launched a consultation for a music industry Green Code of Conduct to provide clear, minimum, environmental standards for all UK outdoor events. The code has been developed by trade bodies including AIF, AFO, NOEA and...
8th December 2021
Arts Council England has launched the latest version of the Private Investment in Culture Survey, and would like to invite you to take part. The survey covers the last three financial years, and is a key source of information on the role that corporate partnerships, individual giving and grants from trusts and foundations play in supporting the cultural sector. By taking part you will...
7th December 2021
Tourism Alliance Coronavirus Update – 6 December (2) Use the NHS COVID Pass at domestic venues and settings in England Some events and venues may ask you to show your NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry. Use of the NHS COVID Pass is voluntary for individual organisations in England. However, the government encourages the use of the NHS COVID Pass in facilities or events whe...
3rd December 2021
National Lottery Open Week 2022* is a wonderful opportunity for all those that have benefited from National Lottery funding to say a massive thanks to National Lottery players with a special offer for ticket holders. And now is your chance to register to be part of this big celebration! Each week, National Lottery players raise £30 million for good causes. That means the Arts...
27th November 2021
Events Research Programme Instrumental in Fast-Tracking the Reopening of Live Events Sector Over two million people across 31 events contributed to an unprecedented body of research on reducing Covid transmission risk. Findings have informed UK government COVID policy on the reopening of the live events sector. The Government has today published its final reports from the world-leadin...
23rd November 2021
Will we ever be the same again? Covid, BREXIT, Insurance, it seems that the same subjects keep popping up over and over again. However there has been some movement since I last wrote at the end of October, and I will come to my diary in a moment. Event Wi-Fi Wi-Fi and communications are something we have to think about when we are busily setting up our sites. Only a few ye...
19th November 2021
The Association of Festival Organisers (AFO) wants to welcome our newest associate to our group - HotelPlanner.com. HotelPlanner is a leading travel technology company that provides individual, group and corporate travel bookings, specialising in unique “Closed User Group” discount rates. Thousands of event organisers use Hotelplanner to provide their attendees with easy to book...
18th November 2021
The Community Fund, run by Parklife, in cooperation with Manchester, Bury and Rochdale councils, is the result of the festival’s approach to partnership working with the three local authorities. The fund is designed for the benefit of community groups and priority is given to groups and projects that benefit parks and open spaces and young people. Funds are generated from...
6th November 2021
Covid-19 Mitigations – Industry Best Practice The Covid-19 pandemic forced an unprecedented shutdown on the live music industry that latest for over a year. Throughout this time, LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) have worked relentlessly with the Government and their scientific advisors to create guidance for reopening that will create the lowest risk of Covid-19 transmi...
