EDITOR Christopher Barrett
JUNIOR NEWS REPORTER Joe Gallop
DIGITAL & COMMUNITY EDITOR Cameron Roberts
SALES DIRECTOR James Linin
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Sabrina Boucher
SALES MANAGER Joanne Knowles
PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Duncan Siegle
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kateryna Smirnova
PAGE PRODUCTION PA Media
COVER IMAGE Matt Eachus
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We may not out of the woods yet , but the past month has been the most positive for the live events industry since lockdown struck in March 2020 . A toxic brew of pandemic and Brexit-related issues is still creating serious ongoing issues such as staff shortages , eye-watering delays to the delivery of materials , the ‘ pingdemic ’ and suppliers working in alternative sectors , but full-capacity events are back and our industry is overcoming some remarkable challenges to make them work .
In the year since taking over the editorship of AAA , I ’ ve had to write primarily about Government action , inaction , industry frustration and the efforts of some to get Covid-safe , much-reduced , events off the ground . At last , in this issue , we ’ ve been able to go behind the scenes and explore the enormously impressive work of thousands of event professionals in showing that huge outdoor events can be delivered safely while making an enormous contribution both economically and to the nation ’ s sense of wellbeing .
The atmosphere at the many full-capacity events we have attended at venues such as the Clapham Grand , Royal Albert Hall and The O2 , and festivals including Boardmasters , Latitude and Standon Calling , has left an indelible impression – I have never seen audiences so appreciative of being united and freely enjoying the spectacles our industry is so renowned for delivering .
This issue is a celebration of the beginning of a new era for the live events industry . We go behind the scenes at events including the British Grand Prix , Tramlines , the Wimbledon Championships , Latitude , Standon Calling , Folk By The Oak and at venues including the Royal Albert Hall .
There may be some valid concerns over the small print in the recently announced Government-backed events cancellation insurance scheme , but it is nonetheless a positive development that should strengthen the sector ’ s recovery . As Festival Republic ’ s Melvin Benn says on p24 , prior to the return of full capacity events our industry was on a cliff edge , but now we can “ rescue the summer ”. At last , we ’ re back .
Christopher Barrett , Editor
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