Despite the tier system and a new vaccine on the horizon, cultural events are shrouded in uncertainty

We can see light at the end of the tunnel but with so much unpredictability it’s impossible to plan ahead, writes Charlotte Cripps

Many UK theatres have remained closed throughout the pandemic (Getty)

News of the Oxford vaccination breakthrough was met with jubilation by festival organisers. If the immunisation programme is successful, it could pave the way for a full summer of festivals next year. Glastonbury’s Emily Eavis posted a “dreamy sunrise” on Instagram, adding: “And great news on the vaccine too! Hope for us all.”

And lockdown is lifting next week: cinemas, theatres, concert halls, live outdoor events, galleries and museums will reopen in England, but it all depends on where you live.

Boris Johnson announced the new restrictions for his Covid-19 winter plan under the new three-tier system. Within tier 1 and tier 2 areas, venues can open with social distancing and limited audiences, while those within tier 3 (regions with the highest rate of infection) will remain closed.