Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announces outdoor arts performances can resume from Saturday
The government has announced outdoor arts performances can take place from Monday 11 July, provided social distancing rules can be observed.
This means outdoor theatres, opera, dance and music can resume though with a reduced audience capacity.
Work will also begin on pilots for a number of indoor performances.
In a move that is likely to be welcomed by small music venues which have been fighting to survive, the government has announced a change in planning rules protecting venues which have been closed during lockdown, from demolition or change of use by developers.
The Culture Secretary has also commissioned a scientific study on the risks produced by singing and brass instruments, which it will use to determine when the arts sector can be fully open indoors too.