Outdoor congregational singing allowed from Palm Sunday

29th March 2021

On Friday 26 March the government updated the guidance for the safe use of places of worship.

“The government continues to work with its Places of Worship Taskforce and faith leaders to review and amend this guidance, as necessary, in line with the changing situation and to enable the safe opening of places of worship for as broad a range of activities as possible when it is safe to do so. This guidance applies to places of worship only. It does not apply to private dwellings. It applies in England alongside the relevant associated changes to the law.”

It includes new guidance on singing in churches before and after Palm Sunday.

From Palm Sunday:

Indoors: small groups of singers will be allowed to perform, or rehearse for performance, only where essential to an act of communal worship. This should be limited to as few singers as possible, with social distancing being maintained at all times. Communal singing should not take place.

Outdoors, in the grounds or the outside space of a place of worship: when communal worship takes place outdoors, the congregation may join in with singing, and should follow the principles set out in the performing arts guidance. This includes ensuring that congregation members follow social distancing rules. Social contact limits apply, meaning that households, support bubbles or groups of 2 must not mingle. Communal singing in other public open spaces should not take place.

You can find the full detailed guidance on the government website and the Church of England website.

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