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The DCMS guidance applies to professionals only. So the advice and measures about how music groups can meet should not be applied by non-professional groups.
However, only singing, wind and brass non-professional groups are specifically mentioned as not being able to meet at all.
This means other performing groups can meet, but this must be in line with official advice about how friends and family can meet socially. The DCMS guidance refers to the official government advice on this, which allows for:
- Outdoors: six people from different households. No limit on how many from two households
- Indoors: Two households
- Social distancing: 2m ideally, but at least 1m plus
- It also says (‘Gathering in larger groups’ section):
"You can also meet in larger groups for weddings, funerals, religious ceremonies and services, community activities and support groups - which should be limited to no more than 30 people and subject to COVID-19 secure guidelines.
It is otherwise against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes (including gardens and other outdoor spaces). Businesses and venues following COVID-19 secure guidelines can host larger groups. This is also the case for events in public outdoor spaces that are organised by businesses, charitable or political organisations, and public bodies, provided they take reasonable steps to mitigate the risk of transmission, in line with COVID-19 secure guidance and including completion of a risk assessment.:
Additionally the Gatherings in COVID-19 secure venues section of the same guidance it says:
"Clubs or groups can begin to meet again in COVID-19 secure venues. However, you should take care to remain socially distant from anyone you do not live with or is not in your support bubble. You should also limit social interaction with anyone outside of these formal activities even if you see other people you know. Venues should ensure they comply with COVID-19 secure guidelines."
Please note: the guidance does give further advice in relation to the above which we suggest you read
Some other government guidance: Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do (which the DCMS guidance does not refer directly to), states (section 3.8):
"Can I attend an activity club or support group?
Yes, you can. Premises such as activity clubs, community centres and youth clubs can reopen, and should follow COVID-19 Secure guidelines. It is important to maintain social distancing and good hand hygiene in these circumstances. Outside of these formal activities, to help control the virus, you should limit your interactions with those you don’t live with."
What can groups do?
- You can have small outdoor rehearsals of up to six members.
- The guidance for larger numbers is less clear:
- outdoor community activities of up to 30 are ok.
- outdoor events organised by charities can have more than this. It is unclear what is meant by event, and whether this would include a rehearsal.
- Activity clubs and community centres can have indoor activities. It is not 100% clear either way if this includes music groups. However, the government guidance: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities states (section 3.c):
“At this time, community facilities should not permit indoor performances, including drama, comedy and music, to take place in front of a live audience.” Which suggest rehearsals are ok.
- If your group is planning any activity you should carry out a risk assessment, follow Covid Secure guidelines and have measures in place to minimise risk. See our planning for the future resource for more information. We are producing guidance to help with this and carrying out risk assessments.
- You can plan for how to return safely in greater numbers when the official guidance changes. See our planning for the future resource for more information.
- You can help Making Music to put pressure on the Government so non-professional groups are allowed to assess and manage the risks for their own group.
Read the official guidance
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