Coronavirus: More Midlands venues close amid new coronavirus advice
Venues are increasingly being closed as events are cancelled across the Midlands as the coronavirus outbreak continues.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has advised people to avoid 'non-essential contact' at public venues like pubs, restaurants and theatres.
Many artists and event organisers have now chosen to cancel or postpone their plans.
Birmingham's St Patrick's Day parade has been postponed while The Who and American singer/songwriter and YouTuber Poppy have cancelled their planned tour visits to the region.
The Big Bang Fair set to take place at Birmingham NEC from March 11 to 14 has been postponed, as has MCM Comic Con Birmingham which was planned for the same venue on the weekend of March 21.
Scroll down for full information venue-by-venue across the Midlands
Filming for the latest seasons of Peaky Blinders and Line Of Duty have been halted amid the outbreak.
Shrewsbury’s Cartoon Festival has been postponed due to coronavirus fears.
A spokesman said: “The decision has been taken to postpone the festival from next month to later in the year. The situation will be monitored and an announcement about a new date will be made in the future.”
“The committee takes its responsibilities for the care of its visitors, cartoonists and volunteers very seriously and does not wish to expose them to the potential risks that the virus presents.
"While there will be a short-term effect on the local economy from the postponement of next month’s Festival it is hoped that the event will be able to return later in the year with its usual programme of exhibitions, workshops and talks.”
Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover has also been postponed.
Originally set to take place from April 25 to 26 at Telford ICC, the event will now take place from August 22 to 23.
A statement from the venue said that all tickets purchased for the original dates will be valid for the rescheduled event, including entry, photo opportunities and pre-booked autograph tickets.
The Black Country Living Museum has closed to visitors for six weeks.
In a statement posted by the venue, representatives said the popular attraction will be closed from today for an initial period of six weeks until May 1.
The post went on to thank people for their 'support and understanding'.
Glastonbury Festival's 50th anniversary celebrations have been postponed until 2021.
Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar were due to appear, alongside Diana Ross and Dua Lipa.
A statement from Glastonbury organisers Michael and Emily Eavis said: "We are so sorry to announce this, but Glastonbury 2020 will have to be cancelled, and this will be an enforced fallow year for the festival.
"Clearly this was not a course of action we hoped to take for our 50th anniversary event, but following the new government measures announced this week – and in times of such unprecedented uncertainty – this is now our only viable option."
Further afield, both Coachella and Stagecoach festivals in the US have been postponed until October due to the virus.
The double postponement follows the cancellation of the South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, for the first time in 34 years as the entertainment industry grapples with the spread of coronavirus.
UK festivals Reading and Leeds, Wireless, Parklife, Boardmasters, NASS, Creamfields, British Summer Time and Latitude are still set to take place as it stands.
Local festivals, including Download Festival, Bloodstock Festival, Solihull SummerFest, Moseley Folk and Arts Festival, Staffs Fest and MADE Festival are also set to go ahead.
Stars such as Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Stormzy, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne, Marilyn Manson, Green Day, Slipknot, Pearl Jam and more have cancelled shows across the globe, primarily in Asia, in a bid to contain the spread.
Film premieres, such as the latest James Bond instalment No Time To Die and Peter Rabbit 2, have also been delayed while China and Italy have closed all cinemas.
Odeon, Vue and Cineworld have closed UK cinemas to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Ireland's government has cancelled all St Patrick's Day parades, including Dublin's, Tokyo’s Nakameguro district cancelled its annual Cherry Blossom Festival and the London Book Fair has also been cancelled.
Meanwhile the annual TED Conference in Vancouver will now either be held virtually or postponed until July.
Other large-scale events that have been cancelled include the ASCAP Experience, RuPaul's DragCon LA, New York City Half Marathon, E3, Prague Film Festival, Facebook F8 Developers Conference, Seattle's Emerald City Comic Con and 2020 BNP Paribas Open among others.
Sporting events across the UK and the world have also had to be postponed or cancelled.
For information on upcoming shows in venues across the Midlands and Shropshire, see our round-up of information below:
Birmingham NEC, Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena
A series of shows at Birmingham NEC have been cancelled or rescheduled in a bid to contain coronavirus.
A spokesperson for the NEC Group, said: “Our principal concern is for the welfare of our customers, visitors and staff.
"We are closely monitoring the advice of WHO, Public Health England (PHE) and local government in relation to coronavirus and its impact on events.
"We have established a series of precautionary measures in accordance with such advice and will adapt these measures and our policies if this advice changes.
"In the meantime, we are continuing to support customers to enable them to run their events.
“Where we have been approached about the potential rescheduling of certain events, we are working with those customers to deal with such requests on a case by case basis.
"Details of those that have rescheduled or cancelled their events can be found on our venue websites.”
Shows affected across these venues include:
The Big Bang Fair, set to take place at Birmingham NEC from March 11 to 14, has been cancelled.
What's Love Got To Do With It? has been rescheduled from March 19 to December 8.
MCM Comic Con at Birmingham NEC has been rescheduled to run from March 21 to 22, to June 27 to 28.
David Gray's March 28 show at Resorts World Arena has been postponed.
The Who's UK and Ireland tour, scheduled to come to Birmingham's Resorts World Arena on April 1, has been postponed.
Planet Earth II Live in Concert, scheduled to come to Birmingham's Resorts World Arena on April 3, has been postponed.
Cirque du Soleil's new show Crystal, set to come to Birmingham's Resorts World Arena from April 8 to 12, has been cancelled.
Rick Astley's Arena Birmingham show on April 9 has been rescheduled to October 17.
Insomnia66, set to come to the NEC from April 10 to 13, has also been cancelled.
The Joe and Dianne Show, set to take place on April 12, has been postponed.
Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott's April 24 Arena Birmingham show will now take place on October 23.
Evanescence and Within Temptation's European tour, coming to Arena Birmingham on May 1, has been postponed.
Shreya Ghoshal's Arena Birmingham show on August 29 has been postponed.
March events at Birmingham NEC have been postponed including The Dementia, Care and Nursing Expo, European Neuro Convention, Medical Imaging Convention, Naidex, Oncology Convention, Smart Home For Assisted Living, Surface World, Sewing For Pleasure, The Creative Craft Show, Dyslexia Show, Miniatura, British Tourism and Travel Show, The UK Concrete Show, National Homebuilding and Renovating Show, Farm Shop and Deli Show, Food and Drink Expo, Foodex, National Convenience Show and The Ingredients Show.
April shows that have been postponed at Birmingham NEC include Optrafair, Tokfest, Mach 2020, Drives and Controls, Air-Tech, FP&S, The Health and Safety Event, Sign and Digital UK, The Facilities Event, The Fire Safety Event and The Security Event.
Birmingham NEC shows set to take place in May that have since been rescheduled include Volunteer Expo, Beauty UK, Bodypower Experience and Net-Zero Live.
For more information on Birmingham NEC, click here. For more information on Arena Birmingham, click here. For more information on the Resorts World Arena, click here.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre was the latest to close its doors after people were given coronavirus advice to avoid theatres, pubs and bars and 'non-essential' contact.
A Grand Theatre spokesman said: "Whilst we very much regret this decision, the welfare of our loyal patrons and our 160 employees is of the upmost importance to our organisation.
"We will contact all customers who have purchased tickets for upcoming performances as soon as possible.
"We will work closely with producers during the coming weeks in order to do our best to reschedule the productions on alternative dates.
"We wholeheartedly thank you for your patience and understating during this unprecedented and difficult time."
They urged people not to contact the Grand Theatre as staff will be contacting customers in performance date order.
For more information, click here.
Light House Cinema, Wolverhampton
The Light House Cinema and Bar will be remaining open as a spokesman says the venue is taking ever precaution against the outbreak.
A spokesman said: "The health and safety of our audience and our team here at Light House is our priority, and we are constantly reviewing the situation and information from the Government regarding public spaces.
"We have information posters up around the building with the current advice on handwashing."
Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Hippodrome closed its doors on Monday evening following the latest advice.
It has cancelled all upcoming performances of the Book of Mormon until March 28.
A statement from the Birmingham Hippodrome said: "Following the recommendation from the UK government, we can confirm all upcoming performances of The Book of Mormon at Birmingham Hippodrome will unfortunately be cancelled.
"We ask all ticket holders to avoid contacting Birmingham Hippodrome directly.
"The ticket sales team will be in touch as soon as possible with those affected.
"For upcoming performances from March 29 onwards, we are in discussions with producers and will keep our ticket holders informed.
"The safety and health of our staff and visitors is our number one priority and we will continue follow any recommendations from the relevant authorities and implement all appropriate instructions accordingly.
"If you are attending a future performance, our website and twitter pages will be updated regularly, please do keep checking our channels for the latest updates."
For more information, click here.
The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Shows have been cancelled at The Alex following fresh Government advice.
Mark Cornell, group CEO at Ambassador Theatre Group, which runs the Alexandra Theatre, said: "In response to the Prime Minister's statement this evening, advising the UK public to avoid unnecessary social contact, including in theatres, we regret to inform you that shows in all Ambassador Theatre Group UK venues are temporarily suspended with immediate effect.
"We understand that this decision comes as a disappointment but ultimately we all want the same thing – the health and safety of our communities, and we believe this is the correct decision to make."
For more information, click here.
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Birmingham REP has taken the decision to close its doors until further notice.
A statement from the venue said: "Following the recent government guidelines, The REP has taken the decision to temporarily close the venue to the public with immediate effect in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"We are sad to announce that all productions opening in March and April will no longer be happening as planned. All off-stage projects have also been suspended for this period.
"For shows and projects later in our spring and summer season, we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to review our policy in line with official guidelines as they develop.
"Our autumn and winter season is currently not affected.
"Our box office team will be contacting customers over the coming days to arrange exchanges, credit notes or refunds.
"Please bear with us during this difficult time and thank you for your understanding.
"If you urgently need to speak to a member of the sales team then please call 0121 236 4455 and select option one, or email ticketservices@birmingham-rep.co.uk and a member of the team will respond as soon as they can.
"It is a worrying time for the theatre industry and, as a registered charity which relies on the support of its audiences and donors, we hope that some affected customers will be able to support our work, both on and off stage, by accepting an exchange/credit note or by donating the cost of their ticket.
"We appreciate that this is a difficult time for everyone though and understand if this is not possible.
"We look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre in the future but for now, we hope everyone stays safe and healthy."
For more information, click here.
The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre has closed it's doors amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
A statement from The Old Rep management said: "The safety of our audience and workforce is paramount to us as we navigate this challenging time.
"We, therefore, regret to announce that as of today The Old Rep Theatre will close in light of the most recent official government advice.
"We will remain closed until further notice and will re-open as soon as possible, following government recommendations.
"If you have bought tickets to a show that has been cancelled, then you are entitled to a refund/exchange we will be in touch. Please bear with us during this time.
"The magic of theatre lies in its live performances and it is not something that can be experienced in the same way remotely.
"Its ability to lift people and entertain people even in times of difficulty is unparalleled and so we are extremely grateful to all of our audiences, who have continued to support us for as long as they can.
"At this time, we must come together to support each other. Theatre as an industry relies on its audiences entirely to exist. We will rely on you now more than ever.
"Many theatres that have been forced to cancel performances are charitable enterprises and have reached out to their audiences and asked for their support by donating their tickets.
"While ticket holders are all entitled to a refund for cancelled performances, the financial toll that refunding these tickets will have on small, charitably funded theatres is vast.
"We urge anyone who can afford to donate the cost of their ticket to show their support for our industry by doing so."
For more information, click here.
Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham
Birmingham MAC is reducing its opening hours in light of Covid-19.
The venue said in a statement: "There are currently no plans to close the building. Opening hours are being reduced to 10am to 6pm.
"We will open later, but only for attendees of any pre-arranged events or courses.
"As of this moment, the government have not enforced the closure of venues, although some have chosen to do so.
"As a unique venue, MAC must make our own decisions. We are reviewing this every day taking guidance from PHE, NHS and the government’s daily briefings.
"MAC aims to stay open but with a reduced service. We have increased precautionary measures in our comparatively small spaces to allow social distancing.
"MAC is a safe space for many vulnerable people and a not-for-profit charity. The wellbeing of our staff and customers are paramount.
"But we feel it’s important to retain a space where customers can choose if they wish to attend until a time when the government guidelines say otherwise.
"Any update to this status will be posted on this page, shared to our social media feeds, and communicated with any pre-booked customers.
"We will contact bookers to go through rescheduling or refunds as appropriate.
"In the building, we are increasing hand washing stations, enhancing cleaning and changing some of our staff routines to involve less hand-to-hand contact.
"We will continue to take advice from PHE."
Various shows have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Keisha Thompson's March 20 show has been cancelled, while Lucy Wainwright-Roche on March 27 has been postponed.
The Influence Project Talk and Tour and Spring Equinox Celebration Dinner have been cancelled, as well as cinema screenings including ROH Live: Fidelio, Outside The City, Movie Geek Live! and Sea Without Shore plus Q & A.
CineQ screenings of Monsoon, Portrait of Jason, Watermelon Woman and End of The Century have been cancelled.
Comedy shows including Mark Thomas, Tom Rosenthal and The Noise Next Door - Through Time and In Charge have been postponed.
For more information, click here.
Birmingham Museums Trust
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Aston Hall, Sarehole Mill, Blakesley Hall and Soho Mill have experienced changes in operations amid the coronavirus outbreak.
A statement from Birmingham Museum Trusts says: "Following careful consideration of the Covid-19 situation, we have decided to close all Birmingham Museums sites to the public from 10am on March 18 until May 1. We may extend the closure period in the light of developing events.
"We will keep our grounds to the historic properties open for free for anyone who wants to use them. This meets UK Government advice on ‘social distancing’.
"These sites are Aston Hall, Blakesley Hall, Soho House, and Sarehole Mill.
"We are looking to reschedule programmes and events where possible. If you have already purchased tickets we will contact you soon with further information.
"We have made this decision in the interests of the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, suppliers and visitors.
"Updates will be shared on our website and social media channels. We look forward to staying in touch and welcoming you back when we reopen."
For more information, click here.
Birmingham O2 Academy and O2 Institute
All shows until March 31 have been temporarily suspended across Academy venues.
A statement from Academy Music Group said: "At all Academy Music Group and Live Nation venues, please be assured that the safety of all our staff, artists and visitors is of paramount importance and we take our responsibility very seriously.
"All shows and events until March 31 are temporarily postponed, so to help keep you up to date of plans and changes, ticket holders of any affected event will be contacted directly.
"Music and live events are the lifeblood of our industry and decisions to reschedule shows and tours are not taken lightly.
"First and foremost, we must all follow official guidance from UK government, the WHO, PHE and Public Health Scotland (PHS), as well as local authorities to minimise the risk of the virus’s transmission.
"As venue operators, our priority right now is to work with event promoters and organisers, to rearrange dates for artists, and to help us do that, we whole-heartedly appreciate your support to remain positive and productive as we all adapt to the challenges in this global situation.
"We will update you on ways in which we are doing our part, our management team remains vigilant and we are monitoring the situation in real time and responding as information evolves.
"We will do our utmost to keep our venue websites and communication channels up to date with the latest show and event details and all-important ticket information.
"Until we next see you, thank you for your patience and understanding."
Other shows affected across these venues include:
New Hope Club's O2 Institute show on April 9 has been postponed.
Lamb Of God have cancelled their upcoming UK and European tour including a date at the O2 Academy on April 24.
Our Hollow, Our Home have cancelled their O2 Academy 3 show on April 29.
Machine Head have postponed their UK tour, including their O2 Academy show on June 6.
For more information on O2 Academy Birmingham, click here. For more information on O2 Institute Birmingham, click here.
Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall
Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall has closed with reduced box office hours.
A spokesperson from the venue said: “Following government advice, Town Hall Symphony Hall (THSH) is closed. Given the current ambiguity and lack of clarity, we are unsure how long this may be for.
"As we agree with event organisers that performances will be cancelled or postponed over the coming days, we will be in contact with those customers affected as soon as possible.
"To enable our box office staff to manage this situation effectively, we request that you do not call the box office. Many thanks for your patience and understanding.
"Box office opening Hours will be 10am to 5pm until March 20, closed on March 21 and 22.
"In these uncertain times, many registered charities are relying on the generosity of their supporters more than ever.
"A large part of THSH's success has been made possible by our audiences.
"As a registered charity, we hope that our audiences may consider supporting us, whether that’s through donating the value of a refunded ticket or making a small contribution to our projects that help the community all year round. Thank you."
For more information, click here.
Birmingham International Convention Centre
Birmingham ICC will continue to host events while following the latest advice.
A statement released by the venue says: "Our principal concern is for the welfare of our customers, visitors and staff.
"We are closely monitoring the advice of WHO, PHE and local government in relation to coronavirus and its impact on events.
"We have established a series of precautionary measures in accordance with such advice and will adapt these measures and our policies if this advice changes.
"In the meantime, we are continuing to support customers to enable them to run their events.
"Where we have been approached about the potential rescheduling of certain events, we are working with those customers to deal with such requests on a case by case basis."
For more information, click here.
Dudley Borough Halls
Shows are set to go ahead as scheduled at Dudley Town Hall, Stourbridge Town Hall, and Halesowen Cornbow Hall.
Deborah Harkins, director of public health and wellbeing at Dudley Council, said: “At the moment it’s business as usual within all council buildings and facilities.
"We are currently in the containment phase and are detecting early cases, following up close contacts and supporting people to self-isolate.
"We continue to work closely with PHE and NHS partners at a regional and national level to monitor the situation and will take action as required to help minimise the spread of infection.
“While the risk to public health remains low, it’s really important we all follow the simple steps to help protect ourselves and others.
"This includes washing our hands regularly and always carrying tissues and using them to catch coughs and sneezes, and bin them immediately.
“We would urge anyone showing any symptoms of the virus to not visit their GP surgery or hospital but to contact 111 online for advice.”
For more information, click here.
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is closed until further notice.
A statement from the venue said: "In response to the government guidance announced yesterday, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre will now close until further notice.
"We will be rescheduling all the shows that are due to take place in the immediate future.
"The building and facilities will be closed to the public during this period.
"We will be contacting ticket holders for all effected events and we ask for your patience during these unprecedented times.
"As soon as we have news regarding a specific event we will contact you.
"We will be monitoring all PHE and government advice over the next few weeks and will update you of any changes.
"We look forward to welcoming you back to Stafford Gatehouse as soon as government advice allows."
For more information, click here.
Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton's Arena Theatre has posted a statement regarding the Covid-19 outbreak.
A post of the venue's Facebook page said: "Following the government advice and guidance from UK Theatre, the University of Wolverhampton we will be closed until further notice.
"Our box office team will be in touch with everyone who has tickets during March, so please bear with us as we work through a very long list."
For more information, click here.
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Lichfield Garrick Theatre has cancelled all March shows amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Karen Foster, chief executive at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre, said: "We are sorry to announce that Lichfield Garrick is cancelling March shows following official guidance from UK government and PHE.
"While staff, performers, hirers and patrons visiting Lichfield Garrick in the coming weeks will be disappointed with the closure, we can’t risk the safety of all our friends who enter the theatre.
"As you know, Lichfield Garrick is an Arts Charity that relies on ticket sales to support its charitable projects so the closure of the theatre will affect Lichfield’s theatre.
"The theatre will not be able to claim off its insurance for this global pandemic.
"If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating your ticket price to Lichfield Garrick Theatre Charity so that the theatre can sustain itself during these times of uncertainty.
"Our aim was, and still is, to provide the best quality arts for our city and district, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre with our exciting programme of events when it is safe to re-open.
"Our box office team is in the process of refunding or crediting all patrons affected in the coming weeks who have booked tickets, and we ask people to please bear with us whilst we make our way through that list.
"At present we are cancelling shows up until the end of March and will then work on a rolling basis following guidance. We are working with the performers to reschedule where possible.
"If you haven’t received a refund or a credit acknowledgement for the cancelled shows in the next week, please email the theatre on Garrick@lichfieldgarrick.com
"Should you wish to donate your ticket to our charity you would be helping us to continue making a difference to the lives of many in our community.
“We have the pleasure of welcoming over 130,000 people through our doors during a normal year; following government guidelines, we are closing our doors to protect our patrons, staff and volunteers.
"At present, our team is working on processing the cancellations for imminent shows and I do ask the public to understand that this will be done in date order.
"The next few months will be challenging for all of the entertainment and leisure industries and I know that our public will want to support their local, independent arts charity.
"We look forward to opening our doors again and to welcoming our many patrons back into the theatre when it is safe to do so.
"Lichfield Garrick will review official guidance from UK Government and PHE for shows after March once we have completed refunds for March shows.
"Thank you for your continued support to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre Arts Charity."
For more information, click here.
Glee Club, Birmingham
Various shows have been cancelled and rescheduled across Glee venues.
A statement from the comedy venue said: "We are carefully monitoring the situation with Covid-19 and following the latest updates from the relevant government bodies.
"Please see our listings to check which events have been cancelled or rescheduled. We ask all ticket-holders to avoid contacting us directly.
"Our box office team will be working to contact customers ASAP and ticket-holders will be offered a choice of refund or free transfer to a show later on in the year for impacted events.
"We ask for your patience and understanding while we do this.
"We will be issuing updates on individual events as and when we have them. Please be assured refunds and transfers will be issued for any cancelled events.
"This is a concerning time for many venues, theatres and arts organisations.
"If you're able to do so, please consider purchasing tickets for events later on in the year, to help financially support those impacted by these troubling developments.
"Please look out for our emails and social media for updates."
For more information, click here.
Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton
Classes and various live events have been cancelled at Wolverhampton's Newhampton Arts Centre.
A statement from the venue posted on social media said: "Government guidelines on social contacts, unnecessary travel and entertainment venues has changed very significantly today.
"Newhampton Arts Centre will post updates on the status of upcoming events and site.
"Following the government guidance issued yesterday all courses and classes at NAC will cease to run from 9am tomorrow (Wednesday). This will last until at least April 6.
"Please contact your individual course leader for further details."
For more information, click here.
Brierley Hill Civic Hall
Brierley Hill Civic Hall has closed its doors until further notice.
In a statement posted yesterday, the venue said: "In light of this afternoon’s statement from the government we regret to announce that we will be closing with immediate effect.
"We will be monitoring the situation closely but have decided that we will be closed at least until March 31.
"As a Charitable Venue we will really need your support and understanding during these unprecedented times.
"We will be working with our shows and events promoters to reschedule dates wherever possible and hope that you will be able transfer your tickets to the rescheduled dates.
"Please bear with us for the next few days whilst we try to make these alternative arrangements.
"Thanks in advance for your patience."
For more information, click here.
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
Theatre Severn is closed until further notice following new government advice.
An update from the venue said: "Following advice from the UK government which stipulates that people should avoid public buildings, including theatres, Shropshire Council have taken the decision to close Theatre Severn and the Old Market Hall from March 18 until further notice.
To allow us to prioritise ticketholders for events in the immediate future between now and March 29, we ask that ticketholders for events beyond this date do not contact us at this time, and await further advice in due course.
"Ticketholders for events between Tuesday 17 March and Sunday 29 March 2020 are offered the following options:
"Await further update where events can be rescheduled. Existing tickets will remain valid for rescheduled dates.
"Or request an account credit. Where possible, we would be hugely grateful if ticketholders committed to visit us again when we re-open by accepting an account credit to use against a future booking.
"Alternatively, a full refund is available.
"We will work closely with visiting producers during the coming weeks in order to reschedule events on alternative dates where possible.We thank you for your patience and understanding.
For more information, click here.
The Place, Telford
Telford theatre The Place has closed until the end of May following new government advice.
A statement from Telford and Wrekin council said: "Following the new government advice issued around social distancing and non-essential contact, we have decided to close the theatre and postpone shows with immediate effect at The Place, Telford until the end of May.
"We will rearrange shows where we can and provide customers with new dates. Where shows have been rearranged we will automatically transfer tickets to the new date.
"Customers who purchased tickets will be contacted directly over the next few days in order of show date with this week’s shows being a priority.
"Customers will be offered a credit valid for 12 months for a future show if a new show date hasn’t been confirmed.
"The theatre team ask that customers do not contact them directly and that customers wait for them to contact you.
"Telford and Wrekin Council is continually reviewing other services it provides in the light of the government’s latest advice and will provide further updates as soon as these are available."
For more information, click here.
Telford International Centre
Extra signage, bottles of hand sanitiser and more has been put in place at Telford International Centre amid the coronavirus outbreak.
A statement on the Telford International Centre (TIC) website said: "While the UK risk level for novel coronavirus has now been increased from low to moderate the actual risk to individuals remains low.
"As such TIC remains open and all events are taking place as planned, unless we have been advised otherwise by the event organiser directly and this information will be posted on to our website and where appropriate communicated via social media.
"TIC will continue to follow best practice advice from a range of agencies including: the UK government, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), PHE and the Association of Event Venues (AEV).
"Until any change in advice, all events at Telford International Centre will be going ahead as planned, unless we have been advised otherwise by the event organiser directly.
"We encourage everyone who comes to TIC to make sure they follow correct personal hygiene procedures.
"We take advice and guidance from PHE and the UK government with regards to any major health outbreak. The current guidance with regards to Covid-19 is ‘business as usual’.
"Across TIC and the wider Southwater Event Group, we have put in place additional measures for all of our employees and our customers to make sure that good personal hand hygiene is followed and awareness of what to do is clear.
"Additional signage and bottles of hand sanitiser have been introduced in to areas where soap and water is not readily available, to make it even easier for everyone to clean their hands.
"Staff, exhibitors and visitors are being encouraged to maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene by employing the wider Catch It. Bin It. Kill It campaign, and we are fully supportive of the new government-backed public awareness campaign, making use of promotional materials in the venue and group hotels.
"We have a specialist outbreak planning team on-site, supported by senior managers from across the group who are continually monitoring the situation.
"TIC also operates a robust, professional cleaning schedule which includes regular cleaning of toilet facilities and all public and event spaces.
"We also have on-site first aid responders and a dedicated first aid room.
"Finally, the most important precaution everyone can take it to observe good personal hygiene, including washing your hands more frequently and for at least 20 seconds each time."
Wales Comic Con: Telford Takeover has been postponed until August.
The event, originally set to take place from April 25 to 26, will now take place from August 22 to 23.
All tickets purchased for the original dates will be valid for the rescheduled event, including entry, photo opportunities and pre-booked autograph tickets.
For more information, click here.
The Mill, Digbeth
Shows are set to go ahead as planned at The Mill in Digbeth with measures being put in place including cashless bars and extra hand sanitiser stations.
A statement from the venue says: "Currently The Mill will be open and trading when there is a scheduled event.
"Unfortunately, there are a number of bands and performers that are postponing or cancelling their shows/tours, and we will endeavour to update our guests as soon as we are notified.
"All ticket holders will be notified directly, and updates on all events can be found on The Mill's social platforms and our websites.
"Please be assured that the safety and health of all visitors and staff is our main priority.
"We are continuing to implement additional precautionary coronavirus recommendations following the official and most up-to-date guidance from the WHO, UK government and Public Health authorities.
"For your best interests, our bars will no longer be taking cash and will be card-only.
"Going cashless means improved hygiene and, following trials last weekend, also has the added benefit of faster service for everyone.
"You may see supplementary signage for practical guidance, hand sanitisers in key locations, as well as extra cleaning services and maintenance across the venue."
Shows that have been cancelled at the venue include Julian Cope on March 19, Brass Against on March 23, and Louis Berry on May 7.
For more information, click here.
