Amateur theatre and choirs no longer exempt from rule of six in England, Culture Secretary reveals

Amateur theatre productions and choirs will now have to abide by the "rule of six" involved under new Covid restrictions, it has been announced.

These groups had previously been exempt from "the rule of six" brought in in England by the UK government to limit social gatherings. From Thursday however, they will have to abide by these rules, as amateur sports teams are set to do.

In a statement on Twitter the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "Due to the rapid spread due to social contact, I'm afraid we can no longer permit exemptions for indoor grassroots sport to amateur performing arts and choirs".

Amateur productions have been permitted from mid-August under new rules, including distanced singing and instrumentalists.

Professional productions with social distancing above groupings of six are still permitted and will not need to abide by newly introduced curfew rules.

The Culture Secretary has clarified the position in a new tweet following some lingering questions. As such, multiple groups of six can still get together if pre-arranged.

For those asking about amateur performing arts & choirs:

These activities can continue with larger groups than 6 but only where this is organised activity, follows relevant guidance & crucially there is no mixing of each group of up to 6.

FAQs here: https://t.co/AGDSYs7THW pic.twitter.com/k1aK6oOWAi