Indicative date given for return of live music

Live music at entertainment venues could return in the North as early as 21 June, according to Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.

The indicative date was provided by the Minister but she added that this date would need to be confirmed by the Executive this week and backed by public health advice.

Music, arts and cultural events have been significantly affected by ongoing Covid 19 restrictions, with the Department of Communities recently establishing a taskforce to aid plans for reopening of live music venues, concerts, theatres and more.

Speaking on BBC Evening Extra on Friday, Hargey said the Executive would also consider lifting the cap of 500 people at outdoor gatherings.

“Yesterday at the Executive I brought a paper to the Executive for ministers for discussion and obviously I want to resume allowing live music in venues and also for larger events outdoors as soon as possible,” the Minister said.

“I would be hopeful that the health advice is there, we have given an indicative date of June 21 for larger venues and that’s all predicated on the health advice, so I am working to have live music back in venues again as soon as possible.”

“This is on the back of doing engagement with the music sector and musicians, I have established a task force on culture, arts and heritage and the music sector have been heavily involved in that and it is through those engagements we are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel.”