Background
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, We Are OPS were asked for support by Revival Productions, to assist with the safe delivery of the Classic Ibiza summer 2021 tour. The Classic Ibiza events were first launched in 2016, and due to their continuous success, they are now held each year across 6 stately homes in England. They offer a collection of classic Ibiza anthems, played by the Urban Soul Orchestra, live DJ, and internationally renowned vocalists. The format for the 2021 tours remained the same as previous years, however saw a number of changes introduced in response to the pandemic. WAO were brought in to act as Covid Safety Specialists, to work alongside the team at Revival Productions, to ensure the Covid safe planning and delivery of the 2021 events.
Challenges
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Regular examination of the latest Covid-19 Government Guidance to ensure the events were compliant with the most up to date information.
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Delivering the first 4,000 capacity concert at Weston Park on the 17th July as a Covid secure show, despite operating within step 3 guidance.
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Working alongside the Classic Ibiza team, in addition to the existing Safety Advisor to strategically redesign the site layout to ensure the Covid safety of both the attendees and staff members. This involved the introduction of a grid system with colour-coded zones, which allowed the segregation of the audience, in compliance with standing Covid capacity rules and social distancing guidelines.
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Ensuring overall customer compliance, in line with the new site layout and necessary restrictions in place. This would be achieved through prominent signage, advanced messaging, and onsite Covid stewards to provide advice and reminders on the procedures in place.
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Delivering a Covid Safety briefing to all staff, security and stewards to encourage good practise and demonstrate adherence through regular sanitisation, social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.
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Implementing an onsite Covid testing plan, in partnership with the medical team, for attendees arriving without proof of a negative test and/or an NHS Covid Pass.
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In addition to FOH areas, ensuring Covid compliance within BOH areas, through the encouragement of enhanced hand hygiene, social distancing and strategic location of sanitisers.
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Reviewing Guidance specific to live music performances, and working closely with the orchestra to ensure Covid safety on stage.
Delivery
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Attendance at multiple Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meetings and regular liaison with the relevant Local Authorities throughout the planning phases of the events.
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Close liaison with a dedicated PHE Covid representative, to ensure event compliance, through requesting up to date information and event-related guidance on how to be Covid safe.
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The creation of an overall Covid-19 Management Plan and event-specific Covid Risk Assessments to identify Covid related hazards and our plans to minimise the risk of spread and transmission throughout.
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Continually reviewing and updating the Covid documentation and plans as Guidance in England changed.
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Onsite Covid Safety Advisor at each event to oversee compliance and ensure the events were operating in line with the plans.
Results
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The successful delivery of 6 Classic Ibiza events across England during the Pandemic.
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No reported spread of Covid-19 at any of the concerts.
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Positive audience experiences.
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Great feedback from the client and suppliers.
