Live music in Wales is finally back.
The Welsh Government has announced that live music performances are to be brought in line with other branches of hospitality such as restaurants and theatres, which were allowed to reopen earlier this month.
It follows criticism from grassroots venues their industry had been unfairly left out when concert halls, cinemas and museums were allowed to reopen earlier this month as lockdown measures were eased.
The decision means live music venues which carried out risk assessments and have arrangements in place such as one-way systems, social distancing and ventilation can now welcome back live performance.
Sam Dabb, Wales co-ordinator for the Music Venue Trust, said: "We are incredibly happy with this news.
"Any further delay would have damaged the Welsh music economy immeasurably, particularly with the discrepancy between England and Wales.
"We look forward to assisting our members to enable them to take advantage of this and are waiting for the official guidance to enable us to safely Revive Live - our programme to help venues".
A Welsh Government spokesman added: "Following extensive engagement with the sector we’re able to confirm live performances can return subject to full risk assessment for each venue in line with guidance in place for hospitality and our guidance.
"The suspension of live performance and events has been one of the biggest shocks to society’s sense of well-being and the arts economy.
"We continue to provide support for our music and arts sectors through our Cultural Recovery, Freelancer and Economic Resilience Funds".
