Hemel man behind live music bookings company says 'roadmap' provides 'light at the end of a very long tunnel' for arts sector

A man from Hemel Hempstead has welcomed the news that the arts sector could be re-opening in the not too distant future, as the PM announced his roadmap out of lockdown on Monday (February 22).

Luke Hinton, founder of Juicebox Live Promotions and chairperson of Arts Venue in Dacorum, is looking forward to welcoming people back to venues.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the government’s roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England on Monday.

Each step to be assessed against four tests before restrictions ease, starting with the return of schools on 8 March.

The roadmap revealed that indoor hospitality and socially distanced events could provisionally open on Monday, May 17 - at the earliest.

Luke is also part of the Music Venue Trust, the charity has been heavily involved with working with the government about the survival and recognition of the venues as important cultural space.

He said: "HM Government announced on Monday, February 22, the roadmap to re-Opening. Under which initially socially distanced events, provisionally on 17 May, and then fuller capacity events, provisionally from 21 June, can take place.

"Based on this information, it is now possible to imagine how it will be possible for grassroots music venues, theatres and other arts spaces are able to ‘Revive Live’ and develop that work into the full and safe return of these premises.

"In light of the announcements, the Budget (next week) must clearly lay out exactly how the Government is going to provide sector-specific support to include the infrastructure, the creatives and the people that make it happen behind the scenes.

"Whilst the announcement provides light at the end of a very long tunnel for the Arts and Hospitality sectors it must be safe for everyone when we do return, and when we do re-open those in these sectors will be at the forefront of leading the celebrations."