We’re delighted to see life return to our city centres and local high streets as shops, cafes and restaurants open after locking their doors in March. It will take a long time for full public confidence to return and for businesses to get back to normal, but at least there is a distinct buzz and anticipation as life starts to return. Two major headlines from the world of theatre in the past week are Andrew Lloyd Webber’s trial re-opening of the London Palladium, an effort to move the industry in the right direction of full reopening - even though it proves economically unsustainable with current restrictions, and the shock announcement by Cameron Mackintosh that the London production of The Phantom Of The Opera has closed permanently!
Further positive news comes as two of the UK’s largest cinema chains – Cineworld and Vue – announced their plans to open cinema doors from 31 July.
Also, leading cultural institutions - Natural History Museum and the V&A - confirmed they will open on 5 August and 6 August respectively.
ZSL London Zoo has already opened to sell-out crowds with a limit of 2000 visitors per day, demonstrating a positive appetite for arts, culture, and London's world-class attractions.
The arts and culture sector has a very steep hill to climb but the path is becoming less confusing, even though government guidance is constantly changing.
Other exciting re-openings to look forward to: The Horniman Museum and Gardens - Thursday 30 July What's on: Natural History Gallery, World Gallery and Music Gallery The Design Museum - Friday 31 July What's on: Electronic: From Kraftwerk to The Chemical Brothers The Imperial War Museums - Saturday 1 August What's on: The History of Bombs (IWM London) and The Changing Faces of Wartime Britain (IWM North) The Southbank Centre's Hayward Gallery - Saturday 1 August What's on: Among The Trees Modern Art Oxford - Tuesday 11 August What's on: Johanna Unzueta Manchester Art Gallery - Thursday 20 August What's on: Out of the Crate