Coronavirus | Visiting Information

The Lowry's COVID-19 safety measures

Our priority is to ensure that your visit is safe and enjoyable.

Further to the latest COVID announcement by government – and in addition to the re-introduction of the mandatory wearing of face masks in our building – additional measures are now in place at The Lowry to further protect our visitors, production companies, staff and volunteers.

From Wednesday (15 December), we will be conducting spot checks on visitors aged 18+ who will be asked to show one of three things: their ‘NHS COVID Pass’, a negative COVID-19 PCR or lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours or their vaccine card showing the dates of two doses.

If that individual fails to share one of these items with our staff, they will not be allowed to enter the building. This measure is being introduced to keep everyone safe and to protect our ability to keep performances going for the enjoyment of all.In light of the new Omicron variant and overall rise of positive COVID-19 cases across the country, The Lowry has decided to re-introduce the mandatory wearing of face masks (except for those who are exempt) within the building. This includes during all theatre performances, visits to the gallery and movement around the foyer spaces except when seated in the Pier Eight Bar & Restaurant. This measure is being taken to protect the visiting cast and crew, our front of house staff and volunteers as well as our audiences and visitors. We thank patrons in advance for their co-operation.

COVID-19 has brought about a number of changes to our operation that will now remain in place for the comfort and safety of staff, artists, and visitors. These include:

Improved ventilation
Enhanced cleaning protocols
The provision of anti-bacterial hand sanitiser
Contactless payments/tickets
Book With Confidence, Exchange with Ease
Good to Go and See it Safely accreditation

We are asking all visitors, staff and volunteers:

use hand sanitiser provided and practice good hand washing
respect social distancing

All of our procedures are designed to keep everyone safe and ensure that all our visitors can enjoy their visit. Please respect our staff/volunteers at all times during your visit as they implement the processes we have put in place to support everyone’s wellbeing.

If you have any queries relating to your booking or your visit to the venue please contact us via email.

*Updated 14 December 2021*

Picture of We're Good To Go Logo by VIsit England Picture of See it Safely Logo

FAQs

What COVID-19 safety measures does The Lowry currently have in place?Read More

Our priority is still to ensure that our building, productions, exhibitions and events are safe and enjoyable for everyone. Some of the processes and procedures in place already include:-

· The mandatory wearing of facemasks in our building for staff, volunteers and visitors

· Perspex screens separating staff and volunteers from visitors and audiences in high traffic areas

· Improved ventilation

· Enhanced cleaning protocols

· The provision of anti-bacterial hand sanitiser stations

· Contactless payments/tickets

· Book With Confidence, Exchange with Ease

· Good to Go and See it Safely accreditation

We will also be asking all visitors to have their NHS COVID Pass to prove vaccination record or negative test status ready to show us if requested. This will be implementing from Wednesday 15th December.

What checks will be in place when I arrive at The Lowry and what documentation do I need?Read More

Spot checks will take place on arrival to the venue and all visitors (18+) should be prepared to present their NHS COVID Pass upon request to confirm they are either fully vaccinated or have received a negative COVID-19 test result within the last 48 hours. The process will be done through use of the NHS COVID Pass which is available via the NHS App or via other NHS services. The NHS COVID Pass lets individuals share their COVID-19 vaccination and test results in a secure way. All visitors(18+) should be prepared to present their NHS COVID Pass upon request to confirm they are either:

– Fully vaccinated (’doubled jabbed’) – or have received a negative COVID-19 PCR or lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours.

-Physical vaccination card or a letter that can be requested by ringing NHS 119 or through an EU Digital Covid Certificate.

-All children under the age of 18 are exempt.

How do you get an NHS COVID Pass?Read More

One of the following three conditions must be met in order to receive an NHS COVID Pass. You will be able to obtain an NHS COVID Pass:

– two weeks after completing a full course of vaccination, whether that requires two doses or one dose.

– after two doses of the Moderna, AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines, or after one dose of the Janssen vaccine – with evidence of a negative PCR or rapid lateral flow test taken within the last 48 hours. Lateral flow tests taken at home will need to be reported into the public reporting system – with proof of natural immunity shown by a positive PCR test result for COVID-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following completion of the self-isolation period.

How do you show your NHS COVID Pass?Read More

We recommend that you do this by downloading and using the NHS App on your smartphone. Once you have logged in to the NHS App, select ‘Get your NHS COVID Pass’ from the homepage, then follow instructions from the screen. The NHS App is available on Apple and Android devices.

Please note that the NHS App is separate to the NHS COVID-19 app used for contact tracing and for checking in to venues. For further assistance, please click here.

If you obtain your NHS COVID Pass through the NHS App using an iPhone or iPad, then you will be able to store your NHS COVID Pass using the Apple Wallet. You will see the ‘Add to Apple Wallet’ tab on your screen within the NHS App.

If you store a PDF version of your NHS COVID Pass in your Apple Wallet, please note the expiry date – the PDF version will expire after 30 days. It will only refresh in the NHS App itself. This means you may need to download an updated NHS COVID Pass before you next need to use it. There are a number of ways to show your NHS COVID Pass to enable you to enter The Lowry.

There are a number of ways to show your NHS COVID Pass to enable you to enter The Lowry.

1. Through a PDF shown on a smartphone screen – Using the domestic option on the NHS App, you can download the NHS COVID Pass to your phone. This can also be printed off or requested via the online NHS COVID Pass service. You can also add your pass, once generated, to your phone wallet (currently available for iPhone) which we strongly recommend you do this ahead of attending in order to avoid any connectivity issues you may encounter at The Lowry.

2. Through the NHS App on a smartphone screen – Using the NHS COVID Pass function on the NHS App, you can demonstrate your COVID status using the domestic option. Make sure that the expiry date and time are valid.

3. Through the NHS COVID Pass letter – You can request proof of vaccination by telephoning 119, or via the NHS website and have a letter sent to you
– How to get your NHS COVID Pass letter. This may take up to five working days
– be sure to order this in plenty of time ahead of your trip to The Lowry.

4. Proof of clinical trial exemption – People who have received a vaccine as part of a formally-approved COVID-19 vaccine trial in the UK will be able to prove their status through the NHS COVID Pass or with a letter confirming their participation in the trial. Those who have participated in a clinical vaccination trial have been provided with a letter from their clinical research site.

5. Proof of test results – You may show a text message or email which confirms that you have received a negative COVID-19 test result within the last 48 hours.

Can you be exempt from vaccination or testing?

Read More

There will be a small number of exemptions for visitors who have a medical reason which means they cannot vaccinate or test. Government guidelines apply.

From 1 October 2021, the Government has allowed those with a valid exemption to register their status with the NHS. Registering will allow a visitor to generate an NHS COVID Pass in the same way as if they had completed full vaccination or negative test. For further information on Government COVID Certification exemption policy please click here.

We strongly advise that you prepare in good time ahead of your visit to The Lowry and do not leave it to the day of your visit to get organised.

Are children exempt?Read More

Yes. Individuals under 18 are not required to demonstrate their COVID status but we encourage under 18s to have an up-to-date lateral flow test before attending The Lowry.

What if I don’t have the appropriate documentation?Read More

If a visitor is stopped and is unable to show us one of the accepted documents listed in the question above, then they will not be allowed to enter.

If you do not have a smartphone, how do you show your NHS COVID Pass?Read More

– You can request proof of vaccination by telephoning 119, or via the NHS website and have a letter sent to you
– How to get your NHS COVID Pass letter
– You can request a PDF version via the NHS website, which can be printed off
– You may show a text message or email which confirms that you have received a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours before the show starts

What should I do if I am not fully vaccinated?Read More

If you will not be fully vaccinated before visiting The Lowry (including those who have had their second dose within the last two weeks), you will be required to take either a PCR or lateral flow test within 48 hours of attending. Proof of your negative test result must then be displayed via your NHS COVID Pass or via email or text.

Can I do a lateral flow test at The Lowry?Read More

There will not be any facilities at The Lowry to conduct lateral flow tests.

How do I request a lateral flow test?Read More

Visit gov.uk to order kits to your front door. You can also pick up tests from pharmacies and other collection points or go to a test site.

Who will carry out the checks?Read More

Our security team will be then carry out spot checks of this documentation on arrival.

Do I need to wear a facemask when I am in the building?Read More

Yes. We are asking all visitors, staff, and volunteers to wear facemasks in all areas of our building. The only exceptions will be if staff/visitors are exempt or when eating, drinking or sat at their desks. Click here for more information regarding Face masks and exemptions.

I am exempt from wearing a facemask. What do I do?Read More

You will not be required to wear a facemask if you have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means you cannot put on, wear or remove a facemask; or putting on, wearing or removing a facemask would cause you severe distress.

Children aged 11 and under will not be required to wear facemasks.

Are you still conducting temperature checks?Read More

No, we won’t be recording temperatures anymore.

Will The Lowry be enforcing social distancing?Read More

For visitors and audiences we have removed social distancing but we would still encourage all visitors to observe social distancing where possible.

How are The Lowry’s bars and restaurants affected?Read More

All The Lowry’s bars, restaurant and coffee shop are open and operating. Please note however that our bars will not be open post-show.

Can visitors pay using cash?Read More

The Lowry is currently a cashless building. We are asking everyone to pay using cashless.

Will the cloakroom be available?Read More

Our normal cloakroom facility is available again.

Will Booster seats be available?Read More

Yes. These will be in operation as normal.

What security measures are in place?Read More

Our standard security measures remain in operation. This includes random bag searches at the main entrance.

Can I buy tickets at the venue?Read More

The box office will be open four hours before the show for people to book tickets for performances that evening or in the future. To avoid congestion however we will strongly recommend that tickets are bought in advance and e-tickets will be scanned at the entrance to the auditorium or gallery. Visitors will be asked to print their tickets at home or show them on their mobile device.

How often will the building be cleaned and surfaces wiped?Read More

The entire building will be regularly cleaned throughout the day with additional spot cleaning taking place. In addition, anti-bacterial mist is sprayed across the entire building on a rolling 4 week programme.

What if I feel that in the current circumstances I cannot attend?Read More

Our ‘Book with Confidence- Exchange with Ease’ pledge, allows individuals who do not wish to attend the venue to cancel/amend their booking without penalty.

What arrangements are in place in the Galleries?

Read More

We will be implementing covid passes for all visitors to our building, including our gallery visitors. All checks will be done at the main entrances. We are still encouraging people to book timed entry slots to visit our galleries via our website, however we can still receive walk-ins. The galleries have enhanced ventilation, with hand sanitisers throughout.

There is a programme of drop-in and bookable family activities at weekends –more information can be found on the website and the galleries are currently open 11am-5pm weekdays and 10am-5pm Sundays.

What if I develop any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with someone with symptoms?Read More

If you believe you have been in contact with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive you must take a PCR test and not come to The Lowry until you have received a negative result.

If you have experienced symptoms in the last 14 days you must take a PCR test and do not come into the building until you have a negative result.

If you have arrived in England in the last 14 days from a high risk country you must follow government guidelines.

Greater Manchester Cultural Venues - COVID-19 Pledge

As cultural venues across the city-region continue to respond to the changing threat of COVID-19, as a sector, we want to reassure audiences and visitors alike that your health and wellbeing is our upmost priority. No two venues will respond to changing guidance from government in exactly the same way. Our venues are different sizes, shapes and operate in different ways appropriate to the needs of those individual businesses. What is consistent, however, is the care and attention each venue will bring to keeping audiences safe and the thrill and excitement our artists, production companies, staff and volunteers feel at the thought of being able to share great art and culture with you face to face. The pandemic has been a tough old time, but we’re standing side by side ready welcome you back.