Been looking at festival tickets but forgot what to pack? Wondering what a night out might be like in 2021? Here, Skiddle – the leading Ticket Sales, Clubs Listings, Events & What’s On Guide website in the UK – answers all your questions and reminds you how to go out-out.
For the past six months, the UK has been subject to the conditions of a strict nationwide lockdown; confined to close living quarters, held up in front of the TV day after day, making close friends out of Just Eat and Deliveroo drivers.
That’s a long time without social interaction. Without gigs, festivals, live football, and shopping sprees. Without a fancy meal in a fine dining establishment, or even just a cheeky pint down the local boozer.
The long stretch has come to an end, but has left many of us wondering what the restrictions are and how to return to socialising again. Here, Skiddle covers the basics on how to go ‘out out’ again, from buying tickets for an event, to making conversation with actual people, what to wear and more…
Do I need to wear a face mask to a live event?
In England, face coverings are set to be required in indoor settings for the foreseeable future and so it’s recommended to take one with you, even if it’s an outdoor event.
Until 21 June at the earliest, you’ll be required to wear a face covering when attending a live event while you’re moving around a venue, but then in most settings you’ll be able to remove it once seated. You’ll still also need to wear it on any kind of public transport or in a taxi, so it’s always worth having with you – just in case.
When can I attend a rave again?
We’re currently getting ready for a return to outdoor events from 17th May, and indoor events from 21st June. While these dates are provisional for now, these are the dates the gigs & event industry is working to.
From 17 May, the government has outlined that some larger events should be able to take place, although not at a full capacity. In the largest outdoor venues, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend as long as crowds are spread out, and for the time being we’ll be raving from our chairs.
The key date you need in your diary to reunite with raving is 21 June, that’s when the government has said they hope to be able to open nightclubs and ease any final restrictions on outdoor gatherings. A number of hopeful event organisers have confirmed festivals for June onwards – check out our Festival Finder here.
Are the safety measures different for different types of events?
Many safety conscious promoters running events with Skiddle have set out the measures they’ve taken to ensure that their parties are COVID compliant. These measures can be found at the bottom of each event page on the Skiddle website, and list how the event in question is complying with social distancing guidelines, set out by the government.
Most upcoming socially distant events will also require that you book tables, rather than individual tickets, which usually seat up to six people. This feature allows event organisers to monitor the capacity of the event and, in turn, keep your safety in check. The added bonus is that you and your five mates have a designated space which is yours alone, throughout the event. Oh, and there’s usually table service. Double bonus!
Will I need a vaccination certificate to get in?
At the moment, nothing has been confirmed by the government about needing a vaccine certificate to attend a live event. We know that not everyone will be able to get a vaccine and so we’re still working hard behind the scenes to make sure as many fans as possible can safely attend live events this year.
What shall I wear?
Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, after one seriously long and crappy winter, we must all surface looking fresh and clean. And, unlike the living room trolls we’ve all inevitably become over the past year. It’s finally time to start trying on those special going-out threads you’ve been stockpiling since last summer.
We know you’ve become attached to the smell and feel of it, but it’s time to take off, and probably wash, that dressing gown. Dig out your rave gear and pray it still fits. Can’t quite get into that neon jumpsuit? Head online and get yourself a dose of retail therapy. Damn it feels good.
What else do I need to take?
Sunglasses and suncream – Most socially distanced events will be held outdoors this year, and on the odd occasion we actually get some fine weather, you don’t want to be caught out. Lather up and prevent yourself from getting charred. And get your hands on a decent pair of sunnies!
Personal ID – it may sound trivial, but there’s nothing worse than making your way to a club or an event, walking up to the entrance, only to realise you’ve forgotten your ID. Don’t be this clown. Make sure you’re on top of it!
Mobile phone – Again, it’s a pretty obvious one. Who doesn’t have their mobile/smart phone with them at all times these days? Make sure it’s fully charged and in working order. If you get separated from your friends, or need to order an Uber home, you know you’ve got it covered.
A face mask – While restrictions are easing and more of us are able to reconnect, it’s looking likely that organisers of events will require guests to wear face masks unless sitting or standing at their reserved tables or areas. It’s always better to take one just in case. Be prepared.
Finally, make sure you’ve located those physical tickets that have been lying around the house for months and months, and be sure you’ve got them with you before heading out the door!
I’m feeling anxious, am I the only one?
You’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by Anxiety UK revealed that almost half of those who took part in the study had reservations about reintegrating into society, ‘citing the pressures of socialising generally as their biggest concern’.
It’s been a long time since any of us have been in a crowded venue or at a busy festival. Take steps to understand when you’re feeling anxious and how to deal with feelings of unease. For access to free courses on anxiety, information and more, visit – www.anxietyuk.org.uk
And finally, here are some safety tips to keep in mind before, during and after your big day/night out…
If you’re planning on having a drink or two, take it easy. We don’t want to rain on the parade before it’s even begun, but we’re just saying take it slow. We’ve all been cooped up drinking cups of tea and coffee for the past six months – give or take a few housebound sessions here and there. Don’t go too heavy on the shots straight out of the gates and end up hugging a toilet bowl whilst the party still rages on. Nightmare scenario.
Always leave the club/venue with a buddy and get home safe. Set a place to meet up with all of your friends, before the event begins and the booze takes hold, just in case you get split up.
View Skiddle’s full survival guide can be viewed here. A comprehensive instruction manual of sorts, consisting of tips and recommendations, put together to teach you how to go ‘out out’ again like a boss, in 2021.
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