With social distancing still very present for everyone for the foreseeable future, those who enjoy cultural events and those who work in the sector find themselves without a part of the fabric of their lives.
To address this, three of the UK’s biggest dance music promoters, Tom Ketley of FLY Open Air, Scotland, Steffan Chelland of Time Warp, Bristol, and Richard Ince of Woodland Dance Project UK, have partnered up to launch Drive In Events as lockdown is starting to be eased.
The three above mentioned promoters believe that they have a solution and Drive In Events is set to offer safe and socially distanced entertainment in a variety of places across the UK including Edinburgh, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Nottingham, Oxford and Newcastle.
Dating back to 1910, drive in events are nothing new and this venture looks to be proving ideal for the current Covid-19 context with music and cinema events starting to take off in Europe. The team is looking at how successful events in Germany and Denmark have worked to ensure that safety and social distancing measures are complied with.
Tom Ketley from FLY, producers of FLY Open Air music festivals in unique locations in Scotland, says, “Drive In Events could be a massive safe success story and we have plans to roll this out across the UK – bringing high quality entertainment to people while ensuring strict social distancing.”
With the loss of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Drive In Events could offer Drive In Comedy throughout the whole month of August as well as Drive In Cinema for families, Drive In Raves for young people and Drive In Concerts for live music fans.
One of the venues that is in discussion is Scotland’s stately home Hopetoun House that could offer an impressive backdrop for events that could include a programme of a range of entertainment for people of all ages.
Following initial discussions with venues, Police, and relevant local councils about the relevant safety precautions, the team believe that this project will be a valuable solution to boost everyone’s mental health.
Two free car places will be available to NHS workers at each performance.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 