Coronavirus: Royal Albert Hall and Barbican to close as outbreak spreads in London

Royal Albert Hall representatives say it goes ‘against everything in our nature’ to close its doors

Roisin O'Connor
Tuesday 17 March 2020 15:03 GMT
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'The Brawl in the Royal Albert Hall'
'The Brawl in the Royal Albert Hall'

Spokespersons for the Royal Albert Hall and Barbican have announced the venues will temporarily close amid the coronavirus outbreak in London.

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and following advice from government, we have taken the decision with a heavy heart to close the Royal Albert Hall from midday today, Tuesday 17 March, to the public until further notice,” an RAH spokesperson said.

“The safety and security of our artists, audiences and staff is, ultimately, all that matters. We’ve been here for the nation for almost 150 years in good times and bad. We exist to be open, to entertain, to inspire. Our doors are made to be open to the world and so it goes against everything in our nature to close them. But these aren’t normal times and we find ourselves in the unique situation where closing our doors is the best way to look after the world.”

It was pointed out that the RAH will face “hugely damaging” consequences from the closure.

“We invest millions of pounds every year just to look after our building, but our main costs are our staff, whose livelihoods are at stake,” the spokesperson said. ”We have committed to pay our people through various closure scenarios, and any support you are able to give us would be enormously appreciated.”

Anyone wishing to support the Royal Albert Hall can do so here.

In a similar statement, a Barbican spokesperson apologised to artists and audiences affected by its decision to close.

“We recognise the significant impact that this closure will have on all those we work with or that are due to attend our events,” a statement read.

“The Barbican relies on box office income and donations to deliver our programme, pay staff and artists and to run our building. The current situation presents a very significant financial challenge to us, alongside the artists and organisations we work with, so, if you’re able, please consider making a donation to help support our future work.”

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