Music festivals and clubs could return to Ireland in August as lockdown is relaxed

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Music festivals may be able to take place and nightclubs may reopen in the Republic of Ireland as soon as August, if the country’s five-phase coronavirus lockdown de-escalation goes according to plan.

While capacity restrictions and social distancing measures will remain in place, the Irish exit strategy for coronavirus lockdown directly states that events such as festivals could take place by the end of summer, as well as nightclubs and bars being allowed to reopen their doors. 

In a document published on 2nd May, the government outlined its five-stage plan to ease coronavirus lockdown. The strategy’s first phase is set to come into effect from 18th May, and will allow outdoor meetings of up to four people from different households and for more retailers to open. 

Each phase is expected to last approximately three weeks, and by the end of July, in Phase 4, small social gatherings with family and close friends will be allowed, and larger numbers can visit others’ houses. 

In Phase 5, which is planned to come into effect on 10th August, it is stated that “Pubs, nightclubs and casinos can re-open, where social distancing and strict cleaning can be complied with”. 

The document also states that in Phase 5 “Festivals, events and other social and cultural mass gatherings can take place only in accordance with both indoor and outdoor number restrictions and where social distancing can be complied with.”

Ireland’s roadmap to a “new normal” follows the strategy outlined by the Spanish government last week, which also suggested that small festivals could return in the summer, albeit with social distancing measures in place. 

The strategy is dependent on the success of each phase, and in ensuring that COVID-19 infections continue to go down. Read Ireland’s “roadmap to reopening society and business” here.

Photo via: Electric Picnic