A major theatre in Greater Manchester has been praised – and criticised – by members of the public for reintroducing its mandatory face mask policy.
The Lowry in Salford has made the decision to make face masks compulsory inside its theatre and gallery.
They say it’s ‘in light of the Omicron variant & rise of positive COVID-19 cases’.
There are now more than 300 confirmed Omicron cases in the UK.
The Government has recently reintroduced mandatory face masks in settings like retail and on public transport.
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The Lowry at Salford Quays. Credit: Unsplash
But it’s not yet a legal requirement to wear them in hospitality venues, including theatres, gig venues and cinemas.
The Government has advised: “You should continue to wear a face covering in other indoor places that are not listed above, which are crowded and enclosed and where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet” – which seems to fit the brief of a theatre.
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The Lowry’s face mask rule will come into action from tomorrow, Wednesday December 8.
After sharing the news on Twitter, many praised the arts venue.
In light of the Omicron variant & rise of positive COVID-19 cases, we have decided to re-introduce the mandatory wearing of face masks (except for those who are exempt) within the building from Wed 8 Dec. More info: https://t.co/u76UbLR4zD
One person replied: “Excellent decision. Thank you @The_Lowry”
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On Facebook, one person commented: “Quite agree. We were with you a couple of weeks ago and wore masks (only about 10 per cent of audience did). Would have felt more comfortable if everyone had.”
Another said: “Brilliant decision. Cannot believe so many didn’t wear mask when I visited the other week. I am far more likely to go back to the theatre. Thank you.”
Someone else said: “Well done. For those of us with vulnerable relatives at home this is very caring. Even if fit and healthy and vaccinated this is a horrendous virus as I know to my cost. Thank you.”
There were a few critics of the decision to reintroduce face masks though.
One person wrote: “Ridiculous and cowardly decision, dragging us back into the Covid nightmare, I thought the vaccine was our way back to normality?”
Another said: “I assume you will refund tickets on patrons who wish not to comply given this is not the message from the government’?”
The Lowry’s upcoming theatre shows include SIX The Musical, The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe, and John Bishop: Right Here Right Now.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
News
When does the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year hit Greater Manchester?
Danny Jones
Brace yourselves: ANOTHER heatwave is set to hit the UK – the fourth in 2026 so far – and, understandably, Greater Manchester residents are already preparing for the latest blast of hot weather and wondering when it gets here.
Yes, in case you missed the news, more high temperatures are set to spread across Great Britain and Ireland this month and heading into August.
The increase will gradually build throughout this week, with Wednesday tipped to be the hottest day according to various meteorological sources.
Fortunately for us here in the North West, parts of the Midlands and the usual suspects down south are set to hit the highest numbers, but the thermometers are still on course to reach around the mid-20s over the coming days.
Temperatures are set to rise this week across some areas, bringing a return to hotter conditions 🥵
The heat looks to be fairly short-lived, however, with temperatures expected to fall again towards the end of the week 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/IKsunEdwhU
Estimates of 26°C have been predicted for this coming Tuesday, with the levels floating in and around 24/25 on the following Wednesday.
The heat is then due to drop off slowly, with top scores of no higher than 21°C on the cards for Thursday and Friday. Although the weekend forecast is less certain at present, one thing that has been announced is reduced rainfall.
Aside from a few more trickles today (Mon, 27 July), the showers or lack thereof cease rather soon, with some of the driest parts of the country already having various effects; for instance, parched parts of Wales have even revealed lost archaeological sites last Friday (24/7/2026).
It would be remiss if we didn’t mention the obvious moorland fires across our region, which were sadly exacerbated by hot weather earlier this month.
Following on from the hottest June on record, the Dovestone and Tinwhistle areas of Oldham and parts of Derbyshire saw hundreds of hectares turn into a deeply dangerous blaze for several days.
As per the latest statistics, it’s said that the equivalent of 1,250 football pitches were scorched following the alarming wildfire, which also raised concerns for wildlife and surrounding air quality.
Former US President Barack Obama is coming to Manchester for a special ‘Evening With’ event
Danny Jones
No, not a prank: the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, is coming to Manchester on his upcoming UK tour.
Confirming just three domestic dates across Great Britain and Ireland, the 44th President turned successful global speaker has delivered talks all over the world, and now he’ll be coming to the Co-op Live arena.
We always knew the industry-leading events space was going to lead to some big names, but no one was expecting this one.
Set to deliver his first-ever ‘An Evening With’ here in Greater Manchester, Barack Obama will be coming to the Co-op later this year.
Officially announcing the live show in line with a key American date, Obama will be making his first-ever visit to our city.
The Co-op Live post reads: “As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, President Barack Obama joins us in Belfast, Glasgow and Manchester to discuss what comes next – for America, and for all of us.”
More than two and a half centuries on from the start of the nation becoming the United States, the series of intimate interviews comes alongside a significant anniversary for both countries.
Always praised for being a talented orator, the 64-year-old ex-Commander in Chief has found a fruitful second career on the so-called ‘keynote circuit’ following his time as POTUS.
Having served two consecutive terms in the post, it feels undeniably surreal to hear that he will be coming to visit, especially amid the obvious recent development of our very own Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, having now become the 59th British PM.
As for Obama, it’s no surprise that he booked the biggest venue possible for his debut talk in 0161.
Presented by SeatUnique, who specialise in affordable but premium hospitality seats/tickets for live entertainment, it goes without saying that this is an unprecedented moment for the venue, specifically.
Set to arrive on 15 October, tickets go live from 10am at the end of this month, with official Co-op members pre-sale passes available from the same time on Wednesday, 29 July.
You can get ready to grab your tickets right HERE.
Manchester is an international city and its popularity is growing rapidly. Barack Obama, former US President is reportedly coming to Manchester this October. pic.twitter.com/9twbfaIWbI
Daisy Jackson -
7th December 2021 
