By Leah Conway
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Kirklees Council has confirmed that there will be no public events in any of their buildings or public spaces.
According to the Council, this policy will remain until at least the end of August 2020 but is subject to change as the pandemic situation develops.
The policy includes events in public spaces such as museums, libraries and parks.
Beyond that, for events further afield, the Council will only be taking provisional bookings from September to December 2020.
However, it does not include weddings and funerals. The policy concerning these will follow government advice.
Kirklees Council is adapting by trying to find alternate ways to provide cultural activities online.
VE day was an example of how they have adapted events so far.
the online-only event featured a live performance of We’ll Meet Again and a light show on Facebook.
The Council has said that they are working on providing more accessible events and creative content over a digital platform, which will cover both local and national content.
Councillor Rob Walker, the Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “We know that people miss the big events, whether that’s theatre, music and comedy or country shows and sporting events, but until it’s safe to offer these again we need to think differently about how we bring culture to all.
“I hope that once we can all meet again; we will see a whole new audience of people visiting our venues and enjoying the shared thrill of being part of an audience and hearing live voices and instruments.”
The digital content can be accessed online at www.creativekirklees.com