Organising and planning for safety

Following on from the government's 'roadmap' announcement about reopening the economy post COVID-19, Hastings Borough Council has considered its position in respect of events on its land.

There is a nervousness about large events happening here too soon. Hastings was badly hit by coronavirus in the second wave, with over 200 deaths.

As the vaccination program expands it is hoped that all adults over the age of 18 will have been offered their first vaccination by the end of July.

As a result of the above, the council's policy is not to allow medium to large events on its land until at least the end of July.

We are currently looking at allowing medium to large events to commence from 31 July. This is some weeks after entering step 4 of the government's road map allowing for some date slippage.  Although social distancing is expected to cease from step 4 (21 June), it could be some time later if infections increase.

Events that have been booked in for the 2021 season have now been condensed into a shorter season. This means there is a reduced capacity in events for 2021.

As a result of some events being moved later into the calendar year and the ongoing risk of COVID-19, only existing events which already have a booking will be allowed until at least 1 November 2021.

This means that 'new' events, which the council has not already been notified of, will not be allowed until this time.