EDITOR Christopher Barrett
JUNIOR NEWS REPORTER Joe Gallop
JUNIOR NEWS REPORTER Olivia Powell
SALES DIRECTOR James Linin
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Sabrina Boucher
SALES MANAGER Joanne Knowles
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Chris Down
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kateryna Smirnova
PAGE PRODUCTION PA Media
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I ’ m going to avoid the tired tunnel analogy , but it really does feel that we are at last nearing the end of one of the darkest times anyone can remember in the events industry and preparing to enter a new , far brighter , phase .
This issue of Access is a celebration of the start of a new chapter for our industry . It includes input from a remarkable array of leading events organisers , who – while being realistic about the challenges that remain – are laser-focused on making a return in the coming months .
The spring sunshine is making sporadic appearances , the bulbs and buds are breaking open and as we head towards the summer , there are very real reasons for optimism .
The conditional reopening timeline set out by the PM last month has breathed life back into our industry . An array of operators from Live Nation and AEG Presents to independent festivals of all shapes and sizes have announced on-sale dates , sold out shows , and / or moved to later in the summer .
The chancellor ’ s extension of the 5 % VAT rate , furlough and SEISS periods , and increased investment in the Cultural Recovery Fund have all made a difference but most importantly , the huge ticket sales announced in recent weeks clearly demonstrates the immense hunger for events among consumers who have been isolated for so long .
As Melvin Benn points out ( P11 ), festivals are incredibly important to many people , particularly the young : “ This year , these festivals will give young adults the chance to remember what life can be like , to be away from parents and stress . To be autonomous for a weekend , safe and celebrating the start of their young adult lives .”
The issue of Government-backed insurance may remain a lingering dark cloud threatening the festival sector but if any industry can weather a storm , it is this one .
Christopher Barrett , Editor
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