#RaveResponsibly – Safe Events

AFEM strongly urges anyone who is planning to host or attend any electronic music gathering to carefully research and abide by the safety protocols which need to be in place to mitigate the risks of the continued spread of COVID-19.

Think twice before attending raves during the pandemic. Avoid illegal raves and any events without the proper safety protocols. We all want to gather and enjoy music together again, but please prioritise the health and safety of those around you who may be vulnerable to COVID-19, by not supporting unsafe events.

This recommendation is about collectively showing restraint and common sense in the face of an unprecedented global pandemic. Moreover, this is about encouraging cooperation that will ultimately get the whole scene we love back on its feet and thriving in a safe way as soon as possible.

Safe event opening protocols have been developed by numerous credible organisations and bodies in the event industry. The following are examples of recommended guidelines and protocols:

https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/esa-reopening-guide

https://www.covidnightlifeguide.com/

https://www.thepurpleguide.co.uk/

https://www.covideventriskmodel.be/

Rapid-testing based clinical trial events are planned and progressing, involving huge expense and expertise, in many territories to provide scientific evidence to demonstrate potentially safe event protocols which could enable the industry to re-activate safely in 2021 – an example here:

https://backontracklive.org/en/

Whether driven by impatience, financial motives or ignorance, promoters who organise events in territories where the pandemic is still widespread, without stringent safety measures or which violate the restrictions imposed by their respective governments, sabotage the efforts to find viable safe event models and perpetuate the continued spread of the virus. We all want to dance together again as soon as possible, but this will be delayed unnecessarily if unsafe and super-spreader events are encouraged and supported.

The route to re-opening our spaces and lifting restrictions is to demonstrate that we understand how the virus spreads, prove that we can act responsibly, and take the steps necessary to mitigate risk by deploying safe and legal event protocols.

DJs, Artists, Management and Booking Agent Teams:
Be informed of the COVID status of the country / region of the event.
Demand clarity from event organisers on the safety protocols that will be in place.
Confirm that the event is in line with government restrictions.
Avoid events which encourage or rely on international travel by attendees.
Work towards developing standardized pandemic-proof contracts with health and safety riders ensuring no risk of contamination for themselves and their team.

Promoters:
Follow and implement event safety guidelines based on local government / health authority instructions.
Train staff to make sure they understand safety guidelines and adhere to them at all times.
Add appropriate addendums to negotiation processes to ensure artists and their teams are following the COVID restrictions imposed during the time of the gig.

Attendees:
Demand clarity / transparency from event organisers on the safety protocols that will be in place.
Confirm that the event is in line with government restrictions.
Wear masks and follow the safety protocols.
Avoid events which require international travel.
Avoid illegal raves and events without proper safety protocols.