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Showmen’s Guild President’s reaction to the P.M’s announcement re ending restrictions on 19 July…. As Burntisland Summer Fair opens with fanfare in Fife

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The Prime Minister,  Boris Johnson has confirmed that events  in England will be able to go ahead, with no restrictions, on July 19.

The  final decision will be made on July 12th, subject to a final review of the data,  so before legal restrictions will end on Monday, July 19.

Limits on social contact will cease, meaning there will be no restrictions on indoor or outdoor gatherings. Fairs in addition to Festivals, Weddings, funerals and other life events able to take place without limits or restrictions.

Additionally, indoor venues currently closed will be allowed to reopen, including nightclubs, and there will be no legal requirement for table service in hospitality settings such as pubs and restaurants..

Face coverings will no longer be legally required although guidance will be in place to suggest where people might choose to wear one.

The Government reviews into social distancing and COVID-status certification (sometimes referred to as Covid Passports); about which the Showmen’s Guild President, Philip Paris, attended a meeting with the Cabinet Office and the Culture Minister;  have also now concluded that the ‘one metre-plus rule’ will be lifted other than in specific places, such as at the border to help manage the risks of new variants coming into the country.

The Prime Minister announced: “There will be no COVID certificate required as a condition of entry to any venue or event, although businesses and events can certainly make use of certification and the NHS app gives you a COVID pass as one way to show your COVID status.”

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s  announcement of Monday night, President of the Showmen’s Guild Philip Paris, said:

 “We very much welcome The Prime Minister’s statement, even though it was delayed by two weeks  due to the rise in the variants infections.

Now  appears to be the moment that we have all been waiting for over almost 18 months; even though several members have already managed to open  variously since 12th April at 500 or so fairs; which is about half those that would have taken place without the pandemic.”

The President continued:

“It is the larger, established and historic landmark fairs that we need  to concentrate on now to ensure that they take place  as the season progresses. There has been some  success across the Sections on this so far, which we can build on, as long as we can win the cooperation of local councils. This also applies to members’ own fairs  where local councils have been hesitant.”

Mr Paris added:

 “Further clarity on the Guidance for local authorities in allowing ore fairs under Stage Four of the Westminster government’s Roadmap will be important to have in place before 19th July, for us and for the local authorities, to work with together.

I am looking forward to parallel easing of restrictions taking place in Scotland; Wales and Northern Ireland for members based in and opening in those countries.”

I am aware that it is not of course a free for all  on 19th July; or other dates  in the devolved countries, with Scotland’s reopening in particular being described on Tuesday (6th July) by Business in Scotland as “a marathon and not a sprint” as the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon  announced on Monday  (5th July)that that the ‘major’ legal limitations, including social distancing requirements, are still to be expected to last until 9th August. Also, that we will all still need to be cautious and keep up the standards that we have shown to the public with well-managed fairs.”

However, the President warned:

 “The Coronavirus regulations do not expire until 28th September, unless they are renewed and there is still the possibility of local restrictions that can be implemented and short notice.

Let us hope that all the members and everyone  who depends on the fairs across as the UK can make the most of  the business that is out there for the remainder of this season, to recoup the enormous losses that we have all suffered since the start of 2020.”

Mr Paris concluded:

 “We have shown the public, as well as local and national government that we are a professional and important part of the country’s industry and culture, which I and the Guild Officials with our 10 Sections shall continue to remind those in power, so that we are not left out in the cold in any future pandemic.”

“I am full of praise for all those members who have managed to get open so far where they could, both last summer and so far since April this year. I am also very proud of all of our members and still proud myself to be called a Showman and to be your President.”

Burntisland Fair returns in style to Fife for the summer:

The timing of the Prime Minister’s address and the subsequent commentary on it coincided with the opening of Burntisland  Summer Fair in Fife, Scotland, on Monday 5th July

The Scottish Section of the Showmen’s Guild are delighted to be able to give their members the opportunity to trade at this important fixture in Fife’s entertainment calendar.

Many Guild members, including the President, Philip Paris himself, with his family and their attractions, have attended Burntisland throughout their lives, so it was important that everything was tried to ensure the Fair could go ahead.

This followed the fair being initially cancelled before a concerted effort on all sides to create a bespoke plan to make it work.

The showmen’s Guild Scottish Section are very thankful to Fife Council for their assistance and guidance in making this happen.
The people of Fife have always been great supporters of travelling fun fairs and the Guild members always look forward to bringing all the fun of the fair to Burntisland.

The fair remains its usual size this summer, but will  be open for six weeks this year, rather than the whole summer season, due to Covid-19 restrictions.
In addition, there will be several changes to comply with current covid restrictions. Each attraction has its own risk assessment and any necessary changes implemented on individual rides and stalls.

The numbers of people attending the fair are being  restricted in line with Scottish Government Covid guidelines and will be continuously monitored.

Whilst other fairs are opening across Scotland and  Burntisland is not be the first, it is nevertheless  a landmark summer entertainment event.

An expert team was been put in place that included Miriam Wolanski from the Scottish Live Events Network to plan and deliver a covid-safe fun fair that considered the needs of the many families who visit the fair year-on-year and those who are not looking to visit the area only.

The Guild are looking forward to welcoming everyone along for a fun time  and many already are, encouraged by the huge media interest that the  planning of and return of the fair has generated. On Monday (5th July) Showmen’s Guild President Philip Paris was interviewed by the BBC, ITV/STV and the Fife Press with the Scottish Section Chairman Alex-James Colquhoun fielding further media interviews and a regional filming project on the area featuring the fair.

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