NOVEMBER | FEATURE
“ We haven ’ t had any outbreaks . There ’ s a positive message to be taken from that : larger events can be run safely .”
Jim Gee
authorities is absolutely key in having a degree of trust and openness . I don ’ t think it ’ s a bad thing to be asking local authorities for help or advice . Some people might think that looks like a sign of weakness , but I think it opens a dialogue .”
Engine and SSD were also keen to start a dialogue with the national government , and invited Public Health England to visit the arena and see for themselves how live events can safely return . Although they didn ’ t make it – “ they were understandably busy dealing with the pandemic ” – Gee hopes the Unity Arena can serve as a blueprint for the safe return of live music . “ We haven ’ t had any outbreaks . There ’ s a positive message to be taken from that : larger events can be run safely .”
“ Covid has devastated our industry ” Despite the Unity Arena ’ s success , both Gee and Drape admit that the format wouldn ’ t have worked for everyone , and was very reliant on corporate sponsorship to cover the high operating costs . “ Even regardless of Covid , temporary venues like the Unity Arena bring lots of their own issues : traffic management , local residents , noise complaints ,” says Gee . “ I think the combination of finding the space to do it and the financial ability to run it for a stretch of time will make it quite tricky to repeat this format of event .”
Looking ahead to next year ’ s festival season , however , Gee says he thinks the level of hygiene and sanitation at festivals will need to match that provided by the Unity Arena . “ What ’ s happened this year will change the way the festival market runs , because public perception of what is a clean and safe site will change going forwards . Parklife as a big festival with no camping is one thing , but I think three or four-day festivals in muddy conditions in the middle of nowhere are all going to have to ramp up a bit .”
While both Gee and Drape remain optimistic about a proper festival season in 2021 , they are both candid about the impact of this year ’ s many cancelled events . “ Covid has devastated our industry ,” says Drape . “ For so many suppliers it is absolutely desperate times . It ’ s heart-breaking to see so many talented individuals facing financial ruin and mental health problems . And on the business side of things , to see so many well run , successful businesses that are absolutely on their knees . If we don ’ t get some targeted support , it is going to be a long , long time before we ’ re anywhere close to normality .”
The sentiment is echoed by Gee , who points out that the lack of support for many freelancers has been deeply felt : “ There ’ s so many people falling through the gaps who haven ’ t had a penny from anyone . October will come and go , and it will then start looking even more bleak for companies that haven ’ t opened their doors for six months . Some of them won ’ t be opening those doors ever again .”
Jim Gee
Jon Drape
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