Calls for ‘roadmap’ to reopen live music venues

A Senedd Member has called on Welsh Government to prepare a roadmap for the reopening of live music venues.

Indoor live music venues have remained closed throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

In October, venues across Caerphilly were lit up in red to highlight the struggles they face.

Labour’s Rhianon Passmore, who represents Islwyn, told Caerphilly Observer: “Smaller venues are the lifeblood of our communities and I know they are enormously grateful to the Welsh Government for the financial support they have provided.

“I am now asking for a roadmap for a phased reopening when it is safe to do so.

Ms Passmore, who also chairs the Senedd’s cross-party group on music, added: “Whether it’s an art centre, individual artists or sound technicians – all of these jobs are reliant on this really important sector.

“Of course, venues should not reopen until it is absolutely safe to do so, however we should develop a strategy and start planning now for when venues can open again.

“I fully accept that government first has to look at things through the lens of public health, but we also have to recognise we are the ‘land of song’ and we should make sure there is a roadmap for the sector to return.”

Organised indoor events and gatherings in Wales are currently limited to 15 people and must undergo a risk assessment and implement strict restrictions.

Those in the sector told Caerphilly Observer they face a number of barriers that must be overcome before they can even think about reopening.

There are fears reduced capacities would not provide the income needed to cover running costs, as well as continuing concerns about the transmission of the virus in indoor spaces.

Kathy Lye, chair of Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall, said: “We are really in the same situation as we have been throughout the pandemic.

“We are taking the time to get organised, but we certainly won’t reopen until we can guarantee we aren’t putting anybody at risk.

“As it stands, the two-metre social distancing means it simply isn’t financially viable to reopen. We did work out that one metre would make it more viable, but we aren’t sure we would want to do that in the current circumstances.”

Ms Lye also said there are worries about how quickly people will return to the venue once they reopen: “It takes time to build a brand and a base.

“We have spent so long making people aware of the venue and what we do. We are now worried about whether they will return.

“It will take time for entertainment to rebuild after this. When we do open again, we would urge people to give us their support. You don’t have to go to Wembley to see great bands.”

A number of venues in the county have been able to access emergency funding from the Welsh Government and Caerphilly County Borough Council.

In 2018/19, Blackwood Miner’s Institute, which is run by the council, received a subsidy from the local authority worth £305,517.

The council are yet to confirm whether the figure will be higher this year due to the pandemic.