Since the lockdown was imposed on 23 March, businesses and events across the country are diversifying to counteract the effect it may have on their companies
As the festival season would typically be getting underway over the next few months, it’s no surprise that instead of cancelling altogether, they are now taking events online.
One such event is the popular Be Festival, an annual European Festival of Performing and Visual Arts. Its usual base in Birmingham sees people from across the globe come together to enjoy a range of events such as workshops, discussions, performances and entertainment.
However, this year, they are going online, so no one misses out on the celebration.
Taking place from 7-16 May and aptly named, Be At Home Festival, this year will have a slightly different feel as artists present their work from home. Live acts include a circus performance from a living room as well as a communal dining experience with live cooking classes. Plus, a big end-of-festival party.
The event will also see names taking part such as David Espinosa, Edurne Rubio, Maria Jerez, Silke Huysmans and Hannes Dereere, Squarehead Productions, Francesc Serra Vila and DJ Glynn Phillips.
Isla Aguilar and Miguel Oyarzun, Directors of Be Festival, said: “In these uncertain times we absolutely wanted to keep the spirit of Be Festival alive.
“We wanted to continue to support our network of artists and still be able to bring together a programme of innovative art from across Europe that our audiences have come to expect each year.
“The Be at Home Festival will do just that, albeit on a smaller scale. Our ethos will still be at the heart of it but with the added potential to reach a much wider online global audience who might be looking for an inspiring diversion.
Major film festivals partner with YouTube on free online event
It’s not just this Birmingham based festival taking the event online this year. There are tons of other festivals, big and small bringing people together online.
YouTube and Tribeca Enterprises, the people behind the Tribeca Film Festival recently announced a new event called We Are One: A Global Film Festival.
Kicking off on the 29 May, this 10-day event will join some of the largest film festivals that usually take place around the world, including the BFI London Film Festival.
“We often talk about a film’s uniquely powerful role in inspiring and uniting people across borders and differences to help heal the world,” said Tribeca Enterprises and Tribeca Film Festival co-founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. They, with the support of actors such as Robert De Niro, recently sent a letter to festivals canvassing their support.
In a recent statement, Pierre Lescure and Thierry Frémaux of the Cannes Film Festival said: “We are proud to join with our partner festivals to spotlight truly extraordinary films and talent, allowing audiences to experience both the nuances of storytelling from around the world and the artistic personalities of each festival.”
This news comes after Breaking News Today covered a story on Earth day, the festival celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, with events taking place online during the current lockdown measures worldwide.
