Lib Dems welcome attempts to deliver cultural programme in 2021

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed news that Gloucester City Council is looking at how it can hold cultural events safely this year.

The council is considering socially distanced events or online alternatives to ensure that the city's cultural life continues.

The Bright Nights festival and Of Earth and Sky by Luke Jerram were both held outdoors during the pandemic and showed how cultural events can still be held safely.

Gloucester's History Festival also went ahead last year.

Councillor Sebastian Field, Liberal Democrat culture spokesman, said: "I welcome the news that Gloucester City Council are looking at how to safely re-establish cultural events in the city after the pandemic.

"A vibrant cultural life is a key driver of footfall and we will need this to restart our economy once the pandemic has abated.

"As the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for cultural matters, I have been a member of the working party that looks at cultural matters during the pandemic and how we can safely resume events.

"As a musician myself I know how heavily the cultural industry has been hit.

"Many musicians and artists have had to go online, teach or perform on Zoom etc, or turn to other work to get them by.

"The uncertainty caused by the Conservative government's Brexit deal doesn't help.

"The council must take strong decisive action to get events happening again, even if in a hybrid of online and physical for a while. I look forward to offering constructive feedback as we progress this."