Hastings Pier to pause live music sets after concerns raised at previous event

The operators of Hastings Pier have decided there will be no more live bands or DJ sets for the foreseeable future after reports an event, held last weekend, was ‘not managed in an entirely Covid-secure way’, Hastings Borough Council has confirmed.
Hastings Pier SUS-190731-153144001Hastings Pier SUS-190731-153144001
Hastings Pier SUS-190731-153144001

A spokesman for the council said it received information following an event on the pier last weekend.

As a result, its environmental health team suggested, as a precaution, that the operators of the pier should ‘reconsider the type of events they are staging, and how they are managed’.

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The council said the advice was given in line with the increase of Covid-19 infection rates nationwide.

A council spokesman said: “The operators have responded positively to this suggestion, and have decided there will be no more live bands/DJs for the foreseeable future.”

However, the Queer on the Pier event this weekend is likely to go ahead, according to the council.

A spokesman said the organisers are reviewing their event documentation and risk assessments to ensure their event ‘does not put people at risk and will be managed in a Covid secure way’.

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Music First Events, who operate events on Hastings Pier, confirmed the changes: “Music First Events would like to thank Hastings Borough Council, who have been very supportive of our operations this summer, their recent recommendations were made with the best interests of all concerned and we fully support that.

“Live Music (bands/DJs/performers) will no longer have a platform for the remainder of our tenure but the pier and all the businesses on it (including the Bier Garden) remain open until 11pm on Sunday 4th October.

“We hope the general public all pay us a visit or two in the remaining weeks, Socially distanced entertainment and fun has and will remain our policy.”

The council added: “As ever, our environmental health team continues to support businesses, including event organisers, to ensure they have access to and understand the guidance and how to operate safely according to it. The council appreciates the challenges faced by businesses in doing so.

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“Our environmental health team have been in contact with many businesses to provide assistance and have been carrying out monitoring of licensed premises. They have been impressed with the way many of the town’s businesses have adapted to and are operating in a Covid-secure way.”