As Portugal was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in March, nobody could predict what the future had in store – and event promoters had to deal with a series of huge new challenges, such as assuring that scheduled programmes would be implemented, without disappointing the public, and at the same time honouring their contractual obligations – a rather complex process bringing with it great anxiety.
From the outset, MOT monitored how the pandemic progressed, in close cooperation with all the relevant authorities, as it is aware of its obligation to keep to the scheduled dates and, above all, follow closely the situation in the country.
The resolution announced today by the Government of Portugal has, somewhat, reassured the sector and legitimized the decisions made the promoters.
So, two months before the Andrea Bocelli concert in Coimbra, the producer, MOT – Memories of Tomorrow, announced its decision to reschedule it for next year, as was the case too with the 8th Biggest Sunset Ever, the RFM SOMNII festival that will also be postponed.
Although he considers that the pandemic in Portugal shows positive signs of containment, Tiago Castelo Branco, CEO of MOT, says that such signs “are not sufficient for us to be able to re-establish the trust necessary for the promotion of large-scale events, which bring thousands of people together”; he also stressed that “the health and safety of our public, our teams and our artists are, and always will be, our main priority.”
From the promoter’s point of view, the decision announced by the Portuguese Government “is wise”, since, “with this decision, promoters now have the legitimacy and legal certainty they need to make decisions on the grounds of force majeure”, adding that “for our part, we will comply strictly with the legislation in force.”
RFM SOMNII MOVES TO JULY 2021… BUT NEW YEAR’S EVE PROMISES TO BE THE BIGGEST EVER!
The promise of three days of music at Praia do Relógio beach in Figueira da Foz, scheduled for 10, 11 and 12 July 2020, was kept as long as it could be. The current pandemic called for exceptional measures and the social responsibility awareness spoke louder, as it had to, forcing the 8th Biggest Sunset Ever to be postponed.
Therefore, this festival is now scheduled for 9, 10 and 11 July 2021. All tickets already bought will also be valid for 2021 (3-Day Basic Ticket, 3-Day VIP Ticket, FNAC Pack, Camping Voucher and Day Tickets), and all the artists announced will be maintained and performing on the same days on the line-up. The tickets for the new dates are already available at www.rfmsomnii.com and at the usual outlets.
Despite the unforeseen circumstances, the will to keep “the Dream” of festivalgoers alive remains – and this intention gave rise to a new project, in response to a challenge made by the Mayor of Figueira da Foz.
If safety conditions so permit, there will be a special edition of RFM SOMNII, with free admission, to celebrate the new year, keeping the spirit of The Biggest Sunset Ever over three days of festivities – 31 December and 1 and 2 January.
Further details will be released over the coming weeks. Until then, MOT appeals to festivalgoers not to neglect their safety and, above all, “never stop dreaming”.
THE MOST ACCLAIMED TENOR IN THE WORLD KEEPS HIS PROMISE OF A UNIQUE SHOW ALIVE
The unprecedented concert by Andrea Bocelli, originally scheduled for 4 July has now been rescheduled for 26 June 2021 in Coimbra. The format announced for the event will remain unchanged. The tenor’s performance will be accompanied by a 70-piece orchestra and a 60-piece choir, and the concert programme will feature two special moments: a classical beginning with the best opera arias that his voice has immortalised, and a second part dedicated to the most famous songs of his career.
Also unchanged, in addition to the event venue – Coimbra City Stadium – is the presence of the special guest and recognised ambassador of Portuguese music: Mariza. The international phenomenon that takes Portuguese sound of traditions and nostalgia across borders will remain on the line-up for the new show, promising a unique and unforgettable symbiosis with the emblematic voice of the classical singer that has won the hearts of different generations.
Tickets for the new date are on sale at concertocoimbra.pt and the usual outlets, with no changes in prices or the sectors available. For those who have already bought a ticket, these tickets will still be valid for the 2021 show and no changes will be required.
Coimbra Municipal Council, in its capacity as co-organiser of the event, considers that the concert by the emblematic Italian tenor will be yet another contribution to the affirmation of the city, particularly in a year as challenging as 2020. According to Mayor Manuel Machado, “we are certain that this will be a different cultural show, showing that the city is equipped with the conditions of excellence needed for organising and hosting large events; besides, this event will certainly play an important role for Coimbra’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture in 2027”.
