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Mini concerts in bars and no curfew: France's 2021 Fête de la Musique

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Mini concerts in bars and no curfew: France's 2021 Fête de la Musique
An artist performs on stage during the French midsummer Festival of Music 'Fete de la musique' in the forecourt of the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris on June 21, 2020 as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus). (Photo by ABDULMONAM EASSA / AFP)

France's annual Fête de la Musique takes place on Monday but given the health situation in the country - albeit an improving one, this year's festival will once again be slightly different. Here is what you need to know.

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Health rules for France's annual Fête de la Musique have been eased, with small indoor concerts permitted in bars and restaurants, the Culture Minister has said.

Roselyne Bachelot announced the changes to Monday's national celebration of music, hours after Prime Minister Jean Castex had revealed that France's nightly 11pm curfew ends 10 days earlier than expected.

ALSO READ: Face masks to cafés: What Covid-19 rules are still in place in France?

Last month, Bachelot confirmed the event would go ahead under strict conditions. But she was able to announce a relaxation of the rules following Castex's announcement.

So what has changed?

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No curfew

As the curfew is no more, Bachelot confirmed that events will be allowed to continue past 11pm.

'Mini concerts'

Perhaps the biggest announcement she made during her interview on France Info came when she said that "mini concerts in bars and restaurants" would be permitted.

Previously, only seated outdoor concerts were permitted.

Those venues that do host musical events will still have to respect health rules, including the 50 percent indoor limit, with no more than six to a table. Wearing a mask remains compulsory.

Outdoor concerts

As was already the case, seated outdoor concerts are permitted - as they were previously - with venues permitted to operate at up to 65 percent capacity to an overall limit of 5,000 people. A Covid health pass (pass sanitaire) is required for everyone attending an event of more than 1,000 people.

In line with Castex's earlier press conference, face masks will have to be worn in crowded venues.

ALSO READ: Where do you still need to wear a face mask in France?

No busking

This hasn't changed, either, despite the easing of health rules. The Prime Minister had earlier warned that "gatherings on the public highway" were still - as a rule - prohibited. Furthermore, the Service Public website confirmed that 'amateur concerts' are still prohibited, as were groups of more than 10 people on public roads or public spaces.

Elysée party

A concert will  be held at the Élysée Palace with "electro music, DJs" and notably Jean-Michel Jarre and Cerrone.

Police

The Paris police chief on Monday announced that 2,300 officers will be mobilised in the city to ensure that the rules - particularly those on wearing masks in crowded spaces - are respected.

 

 

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