Dowden confirms choirs can resume at stage 4

After concerns that amateur arts groups could once again be forced to wait, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has taken to Twitter to reassure that all restrictions will be lifted at stage 4.

Expected on July 19, 'freedom day' would allow choirs and other non-professional groups of more than 30 people to meet indoors or outside.

Dowden said he shared the frustration of more than 14,000 amateur choirs, orchestras, bands and ensembles that have been barred from full rehearsals.

"I know this has meant so many amateur choirs up and down the country and indeed choirs in our churches and everywhere else haven't been able to perform in the way they wanted to.

"I've been desperate to get choirs back without restrictions and I'm happy to say that now, thanks to the huge work we've done with the Covid vaccine rollout… as we move to stage 4 we will remove all remaining restrictions on choirs."