People of Cardiff call for clearer guidance as some nights out are postponed while others go ahead
ORGANISERS in Cardiff are facing difficult decisions about whether to go ahead with events this Christmas.
Many festive events have been cancelled to reduce the spread of Covid before the big day.
The Queer Emporium is a coffee and gift shop stocking products from various independent LGBTQ+ businesses.
They often hold comedy and drag events in the evenings, but last week’s HoHoHo festive stand-up and this Saturday’s Queer Gala have been postponed until February.
Yan White, founder of The Queer Emporium, said: “With both events the problem is the proximity to Christmas. Anyone who contracted Covid this Saturday would be in isolation for Christmas Day.
“When we host events almost our entire team is working, so if someone contracted Covid we might all have to isolate. If we had to shut for 10 days in the run up to Christmas, that would not only impact us but also the businesses we stock.
“If you have bought a ticket for either of our postponed events, it will automatically be transferred to the new date. If, for any reason, you are no longer able to attend, we will issue a refund.”
Daniel Pass, a 33-year-old from Splott who was planning to attend the Queer Gala, said: “It’s frustrating for it to be postponed but I understand why. What I’m more annoyed about, though, is the fact that small businesses are having to take responsibility for cancelling or postponing events. The government should be doing more.”
Many people are taking extra precautions so they do not miss out on festivities this year.
Ayeshah, 27, who did not wish to be fully named, also had tickets for the Gala. She said: “I am devastated it has been cancelled. It was amazing to finally be able to attend events at The Queer Emporium so to see things shutting down again is worrying.
“I do think it is the right move as we have to keep one another safe and protect our most vulnerable in society. It is very responsible of the hosts to postpone the events even though they will lose revenue.
“I have never stopped wearing a mask and doing multiple lateral flow tests a week, as well as using hand sanitiser and the NHS track and trace app.
“I am worried about future Covid restrictions in Cardiff. After nearly two years, we are collectively losing our motivation to adhere to the rules.”
One event that will go ahead is Heath’s Community Christmas, which is a gathering for people who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.
From 10.30am to 1pm at Heath Park Community Halls, residents are invited for hot drinks, cakes and some company.
Sarah North, the event organiser, said: “To ensure the event is safe, we will be following Covid guidelines, including inviting people to wear masks, having hand sanitiser available and using disposable cups.”
She added: “It is really important that events like these can go on safely. Isolation and loneliness are huge problems which are worse at Christmas and during the pandemic.
“I have seen so many events lately which are being cancelled ‘in case of lockdown’ and I feel that we need to find a way to honour and balance personal responsibility, safety and connection.”
- Heath’s Community Christmas tickets and information
- Tickets for The Queer Emporium Events
