SEPTEMBER | FEATURE
Crossed signals
As the outdoor events industry begins the slow and steady
process of restarting, following a summer of Covid-19 related
cancellations, event organisers looking for the support of local
councils are often not finding it.
Words: Stuart Wood
The Events Industry Forum (EIF)
recently published officially
recognised guidance for the return
of outdoor events, in partnership with
the Department for Culture, Media and
Sport; Public Health England; the Cabinet
Office and 10 Downing Street. However,
the National Outdoor Events Association
this month shared reports from some of its
members, stating that certain local councils
have misinterpreted the guidance. That
has led to some devastating last-minute
cancellations for organisers who are
desperate for income.
EIF secretary Jim Winship, who played
a key role in developing the guidance, says
there are some excellent local authorities
that have been very supportive in helping to
get some events off the ground but a good
number of others are finding reasons to
avoid events happening on their patch.
“This ranges from outright bans, which
are mostly legally challengeable, to banning
events on council land, to mis-interpreting
the guidance,” he says.
Some councils, says Winship, have
disbanded their events and licensing teams
in order to use the staff elsewhere. This is
causing confusion for both parties.
He says, “Another issue seems to be
simply a lack of financial resources, as
councils are saying they are extremely
strapped for cash.
“Where we hear about local authorities
acting to stop events, [The Events
Industry Forum] are contacting them and
challenging their decisions on behalf of the
industry. Often, event organisers are wary
of doing this in case it upsets longer
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