The government have published 'Guidance about the Events Research Programme (ERP), paving the way for larger audiences to attend sport, theatre and gigs safely this summer', providing information for attendees and those hosting the ERP Pilot Events.

Spectators are attending a series of scientific pilot events as part of the government’s plan to safely get big crowds back this summer, starting with the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield on 17 April.

Working closely with local authorities and organisers, the science-led Events Research Programme (ERP) pilots will be run across a range of settings, venues, and activities. The programme’s findings will support the full reopening of similar settings across multiple sectors in the summer.

All pilots are designed in a scientifically controlled way, with special consideration to reduce risk of transmission. The events are exempt from the wider coronavirus regulations, including the rule of six.

The programme is overseen by an industry-led steering group co-chaired by Nicholas Hytner and David Ross, working closely with national and local public health authorities. The board will consider the evidence, including test results, from the pilot events and make recommendations to the Prime Minister and the Secretaries of State for DCMS, BEIS and DHSC on how restrictions could be safely lifted.

The pilots will explore how different approaches to social distancing, ventilation and test-on-entry protocols could ease opening and maximise participation.The evidence from these pilots will be used to inform and shape government policy to bring about the phased return of fuller audiences to venues and events up and down England.