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Summer 2021 23 Ministers are expected to respond to the report in the coming weeks now the nal phase lockdown restrictions have come to an end. LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL Almost half of UK citizens (46%) have said they are comfortable attending music concerts and live events, YouGov has revealed. With everything from sporting events like Euros 2020 and Wimbledon to Eurovision returning after being cancelled last year, revellers have once again been able to enjoy the buzz of in-person gatherings. Several popular music festivals, such as Reading and Leeds Festival, Latitude and Cream elds, have now been put in the diary as well, taking place in August as social distancing measures are removed. To support their communities, local authorities across the UK have been providing cash injections to bolster events. Fylde Council in Lancashire has launched a scheme to contribute up to £10k towards any additional cost to manage Covid-19 infection or for other operational costs for the delivery of an event as we come out of the pandemic. The grant is available to any formal established organisation, private sector business or recognised charity that holds an event in the Fylde Borough between 1st July 2021 and 31st March 2022. Meanwhile in Hertfordshire, North Herts District Council awarded more than £2,000 to support the annual arts gathering, Hitchin Festival. << “Although there remains considerable uncertainty around the risks of new Covid-19 variants, the government’s plan to wait until all restrictions are lifted will simply be too late for festivals this summer.” www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/events-insurance