What the 21 June unlocking delay means for TLC events

In line with government advice regarding the lifting of lockdown measures, back in March we shared our passage plan to reopening in 2021.

However, following the government’s announcement that the final Step 4 of unlocking has been postponed by four weeks until Monday 19 July, we want to bring you up to speed on what this means for upcoming events and beyond.

What are the current restrictions?

With the country remaining in Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown, the vast majority of our passage plan from 17 May onwards remains in place. This means:

• Certain indoor events are allowed to take place aboard the fleet at a reduced capacity.
• The Rule of 6 (or two households) and social distancing will still apply to groups attending indoor corporate events.
• All food and drink is table service only.
• Dance floors are not permitted.
• Face coverings must be worn when moving around inside the vessel. They are not required on the outside decks.
• Fleet viewings are allowed.

What will change from 21 June?

The government has announced that from Monday 21 June the restrictions on the number of people who can attend a wedding/civil partnership/commemorative life event are being lifted, subject to COVID-secure venue capacities to enable social distancing.

We are pleased to confirm this means we are able to host potentially dozens more guests for such events, depending on the vessel.

What if my event is booked between 21 June–19 July?

We are hopeful that the amended restrictions will allow affected clients to proceed with their wedding celebration or life event as best as possible. Please contact your event coordinator to discuss the latest information.

For clients who are now unable to proceed with an event planned during this period, we are working with them to reorganise to new dates where necessary, and we are hugely grateful to those who have chosen to do so. Please contact your event coordinator to discuss next steps.

Is there still time to book a wedding reception for these dates?

If you have booked a reception at another venue which unfortunately can no longer meet your requirements due to COVID-secure capacities, please get in touch with us. We know this is a stressful situation, but we have availability across the fleet for bookings during this period and beyond, and we would be delighted to assist you.

What will change from 19 July?

The government is now hoping that all social restrictions will be lifted on Monday 19 July. This means events and celebrations on board can return to normal and dancing will finally be allowed once again!

We appreciate the immense frustration and inconvenience this delay has caused, and thank you for your patience. As deeply disappointing as it is, we remain equally as excited to welcome you back safely to the River Thames as soon as possible for some much needed TLC in the heart of London.

We will continue responding to all relevant government guidelines as and when they change, so please check our website regularly for all the latest information on our operating procedures.

In the meantime, we hope you and your families stay safe and well.

Thank you.

The Thames Luxury Charters team