It was no doubt a stressful week for all involved, but after suddenly being hung out to dry by the government’s announcement that Covid restrictions would not be fully lifted for another month, Goodwood has announced the Festival of Speed will indeed go ahead.
With the UK’s Covid cases climbing, the government announced last week that the end of all related restrictions would move from June 21 to July 19.
While many events have been able to go ahead for a couple of months now, the new July 19 date put some larger events in jeopardy, as they currently allow for attendance of no more than 10,000. Several high-profile events, including the British Grand Prix scheduled for July 18 and the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 8-11 July both attract significantly higher numbers, which put both events in doubt.
Thankfully for all involved, Goodwood has confirmed that the Festival will indeed still go ahead as a pilot event under the Events Research Programme.
This does still come with some restrictions, but little that should greatly affect either the event or individuals visiting. The primary stipulation is that attendees will have either had both doses of the vaccine at least 14 days prior to the event, or proof of a negative Lateral Flow Test, which can be taken either at home or at a recognised centre, within 48 hours of the event.
Goodwood will announce other details around conditions of entry in due course, including other Event Research Programme requirements and NHS Test and Trace details.
Should the current easing of regulations on July 19 go ahead as planned, Goodwood’s other events – including the Revival in September, Members’ Meeting in October and horse racing fixtures, should proceed as planned.
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