Paris (AFP)

Open-air festivals and in a standing configuration will be able to resume with a "gauge of 4 m2 per festival-goer" from July 1, Minister of Culture Roselyne Bachelot announced on Thursday.

This measure worries professionals.

"If we are talking about a land of 4,000 m2 for 1,000 people, that can be considered, there are spaces large enough not to stick to each other. But if we are talking about a square of 4 m2 per person "It's unmanageable. Nobody wants to live such an experience", immediately reacted to AFP Aurélie Hannedouche, head of the Union of current music (Sma).

"Open-air festivals in standing configuration will be able to resume, according to a gauge of 4 m2 per festival-goer and within a limit which will be defined by the prefect according to local circumstances", indicated Mrs. Bachelot who was heard by the Commission for Cultural Affairs in the National Assembly.

Likewise, "standing shows and concerts will be authorized to resume according to an adapted protocol and a maximum limit set by the prefect with regard to local circumstances", specified the minister.

"If the prefect answers us ten days before a demonstration, it will be too late, objects Aurélie Hannedouche. We have 40-50 of our members who want to organize an event in July-August, if they do not have an answer from here on May 15, they will cancel, it is too vague and too risky ".

Ms. Bachelot said she was working with Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire and Prime Minister Jean Castex "for the establishment of ticketing compensation funds".

Large festivals of current music, such as Eurockéennes or Hellfest, have already canceled due to health constraints.

The world of culture is preparing for a gradual reopening on May 19.

For the first period until June 8 with a curfew at 9:00 p.m., museums, monuments and art centers will be able to welcome the public according to a gauge of 8 m2 per visitor;

cinemas and theaters an audience within the limit of 35% of their usual limit and 800 spectators;

and festivals in a seated configuration according to the same percentage of tonnage, but with a limit raised to 1,000 festival-goers.

From June 9 to June 30, the curfew will be moved to 11:00 p.m. and the restrictions relaxed (gauge of 4 m2 for museums and 65% for cinemas and shows).

From July 1, gauge restrictions will be lifted for all venues and where the audience is seated.

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