Leadership / 09.21.22

'No Obligation to Cancel or Postpone Events' in Light Of Queen's Death

Access Staff

Pollstar (09/16/22) Gottfried, Gideon

In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, the U.K.'s Cabinet Office issued guidance to individuals and businesses on how to behave during the national mourning period, which lasts until seven days after her funeral on Sept. 19. "There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the national mourning period," the guidance read. "This is at the discretion of individual organizations. As a mark of respect, organizations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the state funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organizations." Few live music events have been canceled, and those that were are mostly organized, or at least broadcast by, the BBC. The last two nights of the BBC Proms classical music concert series in the Royal Albert Hall were among those canceled. U.K. trade body LIVE has not seen many concert or tour cancellations, nor are grassroots venues largely affected. "The general consensus amongst grassroots music venues is that they will be going ahead with the shows they have programmed," said the U.K.'s Music Trust. "With the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs in the U.K. placing huge pressures on venues, many have taken the decision that they must proceed with the shows they had planned as they can't afford to cancel them. Guidance from the Cabinet Office makes it clear that businesses are not under an obligation to close."

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Tags: Leadership