As of September 1, the shows, festivals, concerts, fairs and exhibitions may be held again, without limit or prior approval. From August 15, the local authorities will also be able to grant permissions.

Cultural gatherings (shows, concerts, festivals) of over 5,000 people will resume as of September 1. And as of August 15, if approved by the local authorities and in compliance with “certain [sanitary] requirements”, the Ministry of Culture announced on Tuesday, August 4, in a press release.

They must maintain one empty seat between two people or groups of people and wear masks, the ministry said after the publication of a decree at the end of July announcing exemptions for all events.

As of September 1, the shows, festivals, concerts, fairs and exhibitions may be held again, without limit or prior approval.

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“The seating pattern of the crowd remains unchanged.”

“The rules for welcoming visitors remain unchanged,” says the Ministry:

“For all shows (except in French Guiana and Mayotte, which are still in a state of health emergency), the seating pattern of the crowd remains unchanged; the distance of one seat between two people or groups of people coming or having booked together also remains required; last, masks, which are compulsory to enter and wander around the interior spaces, are still recommended when the spectators are seated in their seats. »

Extra information on the health policy evolution will be available around August 24, the statement said. Various branches of the performing arts industry have been warning about the survival of their activities because of the banning of large gatherings.

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Regarding sporting events, the government maintained in its decree of July 28 a limitation of gatherings to five thousand people until August 31. But the local authorities will also be able to “exceptionally grant exemptions” from August 15, for “several games of the same team, organised in the same stadium.”

To increase the crowd size, “the overall health situation and that of the territories concerned” and “the actions taken by the organiser” to combat the spread of Covid-19 will be considered. All spectators will have to be seated and wearing masks, with an empty seat in front of them. In addition, the groups will have to be separated into smaller groups of only ten people.