Covid-19 Information for Folk Activities
Last updated: 21 January 2022
Every folk dance club, folk music club, musician and promoter needs to balance the desire to return to activities with the safety of all participants, as well as adherence to the latest rules and guidelines.
Every club, venue and audience is different and will have different needs to take into consideration. We recommend that members, when making these decisions, continue to monitor and consult the guidance collated below.
Venues and events are strongly advised by the Government to ensure that their workers are vaccinated, completing regular testing or exempt.
The English Folk Dance and Song Society has prepared detailed Covid-secure guidance for visitors to Cecil Sharp House, which you are welcome to adapt for your own activities.
What is the current government guidance for the performing arts?
The situation continues to change rapidly. You should always check the latest official guidance before making and implementing any plans, and continue to check regularly until your event has taken place.
For the most up to date government advice we recommend members check the links below:
- https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carrying-out-mandatory-covid-19-status-checks-at-your-venue-or-event
Risk Assessment
There are many factors to consider as part of your risk assessment for returning to in-person dance and other participatory activities. People Dancing have provided detailed guidance.
You may also find it useful to refer to the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s Covid-Secure risk assessment for Cecil Sharp House, and other documents linked from our Covid-secure information page. You are welcome to adapt them for your own activities – although please bear in mind it is essential that each group or organisation creates its own assessments and policies based on its unique situation.
The COVID Pass
From 26 January 2022, when we attend any event at any venue in England we will no longer need to demonstrate our coronavirus (COVID-19) status.
At the English Folk Dance and Song Society, we have decided to continue requiring all adults who attend our dance events to demonstrate their coronavirus (COVID-19) status on arrival. This is usually by using the NHS COVID Pass, or by showing proof (by text or email) of a recent negative test.
See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carrying-out-mandatory-covid-19-status-checks-at-your-venue-or-event for the implications for venues and event organisers.
Different rules apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
I am making music or singing with others again
The Musicians Union have collated together the current government guidance on live performance for musicians across the UK.
We recommend this helpful resource from Making Music to help you ascertain how and when your group might resume meeting. We also recommend this useful resource from Music Mark for music educators.
My folk dance group is getting back to in-person
It is possible that the legislation, or the spirit of the legislation, could classify folk dancing activity as ‘dance hall’. It may be wise – and safest for participants – to assume that this is the case. If so, you will need to ask all participants to show you either their COVID Pass, or email or text proof of a recent negative test result.
Proof of coronavirus status is not required at:
- Receptions celebrating a wedding or other significant life event (with certain restrictions)
- Outdoor events in public spaces where these are unticketed and not charged for
Are you presenting dance classes online?
If you are playing recorded music, you will need a license from PPL/PRS (just as you do when you play recorded music at a normal, non-virtual class).
PPL-PRS have confirmed that ‘dance instructors and fitness centres who hold TheMusicLicence covering the relevant PPL tariffs for playing music in classes at their licensed premises, will be able to include recorded music controlled by PPL in classes streamed live to their clients’ homes until at least 31 December 2022. The online classes will be treated as if they were classes physically taking place at their licensed premises’. Read the full explanation from PPL/PRS
General advice for dancers and useful links
People Dancing have produced some links for community dancers, as well as a summary of Government guidance and risk assessment considerations. They have also provided this advice on Covid 19 Risk Assessment for dance organisers.
Please check back here for updates, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for regular news as we continue to celebrate the unique values of folk music and dance.
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