19 August 2020
A New Events Vision
There’s no doubt about it, the events industry has been hit over the head lately and the future is uncertain, but there are some amazing events to rise above the ashes – here are a few of my favourites.
CYCLE IN CINEMA
London Borough of Culture, Waltham Forest, has announced two venues for a cycle-in-cinema (you can also walk or skateboard if you wish!).
They are all family-friendly, and adequately socially distanced, with pre-screening activities to kick things off. You can take part in family craft activities, learn how to move at dance workshops, or let the experts show you how it’s done in live performances! Qualified Dr Bike mechanics are also on hand to give free bike health.
The programme is a mixture of bicycle-themed films, family favourites, and Hollywood and Bollywood classics. Food is available to buy from local traders, or you can bring your own picnic and blanket – sounds like a wonderful day out!
For more information: https://wfculture19.co.uk/events/cycleincinema-leyton
LIVE STREAMED GIGS
Watching your favourite band or artist from your sofa might sound a bit dull, but the recent live streamed gigs have been getting rave reviews. One such one was The Streets who did a live pay-per-view from small venue Earth in Hackney.
Mike Skinner’s reasons for doing the gig was to support his band and other industry professionals during this time of no work and it was a huge success. Feeling more like an immersive theatre show, the venue was used so cleverly with various sets built for specific songs, ranging from a full bar set up to a lone black box with one lampshade, and one continuous film of Mike touring the venue.
Upcoming live stream gigs include Erasure, Ellie Goulding, Manchester Pride and IDLES. Do give them a support if you can.
LIVE COMEDY
It’s great to see that the Greenwich Comedy Festival is taking place in September in the beautiful London National Maritime Museum.
Each show will accommodate an audience of 1,300, the same as in previous years, but while in the past the shows have taken place within a Big Top tent, this year it will be an open air event with the audience sat on chairs that are spread out on the lawn, in line with social distancing guidelines, in front of a domed stage with large LED screens either side.
There are seven-shows featuring a line-up of comedians including Bill Bailey, Dylan Moran, Sara Pascoe and Josh Widdicombe. See you there!
https://accessaa.co.uk/greenwich-comedy-festival-economically-viable-with-social-distancing/
DRIVE IN EVENTS
It’s great to see so many Drive-In events filling the void of real events. All over the UK, there are spaces being used to show film, sports, concerts and theatre.
Of course, it’s not ideal being sat in a car with the people you have been cooped up with every day, but a lot of the drive-ins are offering at your car food and drink service so it’s a novel way to have a night out, and you’re supporting the events industry!