Your Booking – COVID-19 & FAQs
We hope that the answers provided below will help to provide some clarity in regard to your upcoming booking.
The information provided in this FAQs guide on COVID-19 will be continually updated as new information or government guidelines are announced.
Last updated: 21st March 2020
What is the current legal status on gatherings?
Currently, there is no government legislation to enforce the banning of mass gatherings or indeed gatherings of any size, yet the government’s action plan published 3 March 2020 raised the possibility of reducing the number of large-scale gatherings at some point. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan/coronavirus-action-plan-a-guide-to-what-you-can-expect-across-the-uk
In the meantime, the Government has published its latest guidance on social distancing in relation to COVID-19. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
In line with the latest social distancing guidance, it is advised that large gatherings should not take place. While the risks of transmitting the disease at mass gatherings are relatively low, these steps will also allow emergency services that would have been deployed for these events to be prioritised in alleviating pressure on public services.
Social distancing is advised for the protection of older and vulnerable people to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Officials have advised that length of time social distancing will be encouraged might be as long as it takes to develop a vaccine, which could be between 12-18 months.
The thought of cancelling or postponing your wedding or event is obviously a difficult one, but we are here to offer some practical advice to help you through it. As we all navigate this situation together, our main objective is to limit the potential disruption this can cause for both clients and artists and help everyone to achieve the best possible outcome given the circumstances.
– My booking falls before the end of June 2020…
If your booking falls on or before 30th June 2020 we are strongly recommending postponements; that is, rearranging your booking to an alternative date, rather than cancelling your booking.
You will need to first liaise with your venue to secure a new date for your event. Please call us to rearrange your booking to a new date, which should fall within 12 months of your original date, to ensure your deposit is transferred and no amendment fee incurred for the rearrangement. This is subject to our availability, so we would appreciate a few new options rather than just one. Please be aware that in some circumstances there may be an extra charge, for example moving from a mid-week date in April to a Saturday in peak season.
As things stand, this is the most beneficial resolution for all parties involved.
– What happens if I am forced to cancel my event due to COVID-19?
If you have the decision taken out of your hands, this is known as ‘force majeure’. In these situations, neither you nor the band would be able to fulfil the contract and no cancellation fees would be due.
Examples of force majeure are;
- If the UK Government produces legislation to officially ban small gatherings
- If you or your partner become ill with COVID-19
- If your venue closes down
- If a third party event organiser cancels your event
(Please note that, unless cancelled within 48 hours of booking, your deposit is non-refundable.)
Examples of what does NOT count as force majeure:
- Cancelling an event as a precaution
- Cancelling due to social distancing
- Cancelling because you are worried about the health of your guests
- Cancelling because people can’t travel to your event
While understandable, these situations are not classed as force majeure. This means you may become liable for cancellation fees that are due as per our Ts and Cs.
As mentioned, where a cancellation is enforced, we can work with you to move things to a mutually agreeable new date to help avoid paying any fees where possible.
– Does my wedding insurance cover COVID-19?
If you do have any type of wedding insurance, it is a good idea to check your insurance policy to find out what is covered. This may help you recover some or all of your costs if you are forced to cancel. It would be wise to find out this information before calling us to cancel or rearrange your booking.
– My event takes place after 30th June 2020 onwards – what should I do?
At this moment in time, we currently have no reason to believe July onward will be an issue for events.
Our focus is on helping clients navigate the next 3 months of bookings and queries until any official evidence is produced to suggest events should not go ahead long term.
If your booking is due to take place after 30th June 2020, unless force majeure means that your event cancellation is unavoidable, choosing to reschedule a booking will incur an administration fee and a possible additional fee depending on your date chosen.
– What if the band members are ill?
If a member of the band becomes ill, we have musicians in place who can step in and take their place. This is standard practice and known as a ‘dep’ performer.
The worst-case scenario would be the entire band being ill, and all of our deps being ill. In this case, we would start looking for a suitable alternative band for your date as per our normal procedures, in line with our terms and conditions.
– What if the band isn’t available on my new date?
If you’ve already rescheduled your event and we are not available on your new date, we will help you find a replacement. We have a fantastic pool of talented acts that Nathan manages and we’ll be very happy to help you find another incredible artist that’s right for you.
What if legislation on group gatherings changes?
If official restrictions do prevent your event from taking place, you would not be liable for any cancellation fees. We aim to keep this page updated in line with any changes that come about so please do revisit.
If you have further questions or are still looking for further advice or guidance on your booking with us in light of the current situation, you can contact us at nathan@thedeloreansband.com
Please bear with us whilst we experience a high volume of calls and administration to deal with the current demand.
We are here to help wherever possible and want to find the best solution for your situation.
Let’s work together!
The Deloreans