The Welsh Government has announced that nightclubs will have to close after 26 December as part of a national effort to combat the spread of Omicron. Nightclubs must close from midnight on 27 December, while social distancing will return in offices and shops, and one-way systems will be reintroduced in supermarkets. Businesses will also be …
NTIA “disappointed” in COVID passes in England as venues and clubs struggle
Chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), Michael Kill, has said the organisation is “disappointed” that UK Members of Parliament voted in to law the use of COVID-19 passports for nightclubs and venues in England. COVID passes are mandatory and enforceable in England from today (Wednesday), with proof of double vaccination needed to …
ASM Global appoints Merchán to spearhead worldwide marketing efforts
Live entertainment and venue management company ASM Global has appointed Alex Merchán (pictured) as its new executive vice-president of marketing. Merchán was formerly executive vice-president of marketing for entertainment company Live Nation’s Clubs and Theatres division. In his new role, he will be responsible for all marketing, data analytics, digital, creative and communications efforts for ASM …
Up to 40% no-shows for gigs
As many as 40% of ticket holders are not turning up to gigs, including shows that have been sold out for months. While there always was a percentage of ticket holders that did not turn up to events, it has rocketed as the year has progressed. Graeme Stewart, an artist manager, told the Guardian: …
Catholic protestors force cancellation of church-based live performances
Catholic protestors have forced Swedish musician Anna Von Hausswolff to cancel two shows in Nantes and Paris, as the protests prompted security concerns. The protestors claimed that Hausswolff’s music, which heavily features the pipe organ, is ‘satanist’ despite the show at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Port church being organised in partnership with the Nantes diocese. According to a tweet …
OVG completes acquisition of Spectra
Oak View Group has completed its acquisition of Spectra, the venue management and hospitality provider, to create a full-service live events company. OVG, the global venue development, advisory and investment company for sports and live entertainment sectors, originally announced the merger at the end of August. The deal was able to be completed after approval …
Derbyshire festival will not return due to COVID-19 ‘ramifications’
Indietracks festival, held at the Midland Railway in Butterly, Derbyshire, will not be returning after the COVID-19 pandemic has caused “ongoing ramifications” for event organisers. The music festival, with its main site located at Swanwick Junction, ran for over 10 years between 2007 and 2019, which proved to be the final time as 2020 was …
Spain backs down on touring visas for UK musicians
Artists touring Spain will no longer require visas for short-term work, after the UK’s exit from the European Union has caused issues for musicians touring within Europe. Music organisations LIVE and The Association of British Orchestras worked alongside Spanish counterparts Asociación Promotores Musicales to flip the rules, and allow musicians and crew to tour the …
Record Third Quarter for Vivid Seats
Ticketing marketplace Vivid Seats has announced a successful third quarter, after posting revenues of $139.5m (£104m/€123m), up from just $7.1m during the same period in 2020. Revenue for the three months leading up to September 30 came in at $139.5m, as events returned following the COVID-19 pandemic and consumers having more confidence in purchasing tickets …
Live Performance Australia calls on NSW Government for support
Live Performance Australia, the arts and entertainment body, has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of an events insurance scheme, but has called on the New South Wales Government to take a similar approach. Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson announced the AUD$20m (£10.9m/$14.7m/€12.8m) Live Music Restart scheme, with music venues set to receive an $8m …