Festival Republic boss says festivals could operate 'as normal' with Covid-19 testing

Future of festivals? The crowds gather at TRNSMT in Glasgow
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Harry Fletcher4 June 2020

This summer’s music festival season has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, and organisers are facing an uncertain future.

But the managing director of Festival Republic, Melvin Benn, has revealed his idea for helping the industry run "as normal" when events resume.

The plan? Introduce compulsory coronavirus testing for prospective festival-goers.

Speaking to the BBC’s Newsbeat, Benn said that rather than imposing social distancing at festivals – something which would make it "impossible for us to operate our businesses” – he believes events could operate if all attendees test negative for Covid-19 beforehand.

"With that incentive, I think people will be really happy to start being tested. At the moment there is no incentive,” he said.

Festival Republic is responsible for some of the most popular music festivals in the UK, including Reading and Leeds, Wireless, Latitude and Download. More than half a million people normally attend the group’s events throughout the year.

Benn went on to say that under his proposals, people would be tested "within either seven or 14 days" before the event or "whichever length of time... the government determines is safe".

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The idea would be dependent on changes to government guidelines and significant support with regard to home testing. Tests are currently only available to people showing symptoms, while social distancing regulations stipulate that people cannot gather in groups of more than six.

The organisation has had no formal talks with the government about the suggested measures, and Benn said "there's no indication yet of a willingness to accept the plan".

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