The Peculiaritty of UK Conference Arenas: Why Only Seating Tickets?
As an avid concert-goer, I recently stumbled upon a fascinating situation during my search for tickets for a live performance. To my surprise, I discovered that there were no standing tickets available at any of the arenas or venues I checked. After a bit of research and investigation, I realized this peculiar phenomenon is not unique to one location, but a widespread practice within the UK conference arena scene. Naturally, the question arose: how are you supposed to dance at a live concert if you can only get seated tickets?
Dance? You Crazed Bohemian Brits Don't Dance, Neither Do We...
The truth is, in the UK, dance doesn’t come as naturally to audiences as it does in other parts of the world. The cultural context and the recent historical precedents have led to a shift in the way events are staged. Many venues opt for only seating tickets for various reasons, ranging from safety concerns to compliance with local regulations.
chan th?c: Safety Concerns
The primary reason for this practice is safety. Standing crowds pose a significant risk of incident, leading to crushing and fatal accidents. Unfortunately, these incidents are not uncommon, happening monthly across the globe. The most tragic example was the crush incident at the funeral of an Iranian general, which resulted in the death of 50 mourners. Another haunting example is the Hillsborough disaster that occurred in 1989, where 96 Liverpool football fans lost their lives in a crush incident at the Hillsborough Football Stadium. These incidents have led to strict safety measures being implemented in various sectors, including entertainment venues.
Compliance with Local Regulations
The implementation of all-seat configurations in arenas and theatres has also been driven by local fire regulations. The National Fire Code requires a certain amount of emergency exit and space allocation, which can be better managed with seating. Additionally, promoters and venue owners can insist on seating-only policies due to the high insurance premiums associated with allowing standing areas. These factors combined often result in venues opting for a strict seating-only policy to ensure better crowd control and compliance with safety standards.
Historical Context and Cultural Shift
It’s important to understand the historical context that has contributed to this shift. Following the Hillsborough disaster, the Taylor Enquiry and the Bishop of Liverpool's Enquiry led to extensive reforms in football safety. These reforms were later applied to other sectors, including theatre and performance arenas. This cultural shift has made the public and venues more risk-averse, leading to a greater emphasis on safety over the traditional sense of communal celebration associated with standing areas.
Alternatives for Dancers
If you're someone who enjoys the energetic experience of dancing at a live concert, there are still options available. Glastonbury Festival is known for its all-standing layout, providing an atmosphere where dancing and celebrating are a key part of the experience. Similarly, some arenas do offer designated standing/dance areas for concerts. These areas are often monitored by security and designed to mitigate the risks associated with standing crowds while still providing the energetic and communal experience. However, such areas may be limited and subject to availability.
Conclusion
The practice of offering only seating tickets in UK conference arenas is not without reason. While it may limit the traditional dancing experience that some concertgoers enjoy, it is rooted in a combination of safety concerns, compliance with regulations, and a shift in cultural expectations. However, for those who still love to dance, alternatives are available, ensuring that even in these venue configurations, the joy of concert experiences can still be embraced.