Dear Michael

On Friday we published the latest research update from the Events Research Programme, which consisted of more than 37 events running between April and its completion at the end of July. The data and lessons being drawn from this work has already been instrumental in supporting the development of policies and the operational management of events in different types of settings in ways that manage risks and allow audiences to return as safely as possible.

With the ERP now complete, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the very significant contribution of you and your teams to its success. It has been a programme of many firsts, severe time constraints and significant challenges, and only made possible by the willingness of all who have been a part of it to work through solutions to every complex issue with agility and engagement, and at all hours.

This has enabled us to deliver a world-leading, scientifically rigorous programme that has built an evidence base around the use of mitigation measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The programme saw the completion of 37 events across a wide range of different settings - from theatres, festivals and nightclubs to business conferences and sports stadia - comprising over 120 separate performances and involving nearly two million people. The studies have involved a number of ground-breaking moments during the pandemic - from bringing audiences back to 100% capacity in an event for the first time to the largest gathering of spectators with comprehensive testing anywhere in the world. It also enabled us to bring people back to the venues and watch the performances that mean so much to all of us, our communities and the country.

Many thanks for your support in ensuring that The Grange Festival could go ahead as an ERP event. I know my team greatly appreciated the constructive and collaborative relationship, and a particular thanks to Michael and Alice for their support in making things run smoothly. All your efforts have helped deliver a programme that will continue to inform and support work between national and local government, event organisers and audiences in the time ahead.

Yours,

Sam

Director General | Strategy & Operations

Department for Media, Culture and Sport