Brakes put on Scottish drive in events until 2021

In light of the new Tier restrictions, the Scottish company behind one of the UK's largest drive-in tours, The Parking Lot Social, has been forced to cancel all dates in Scotland for the rest of 2020.

Article Source: The Parking Lot Social
Last Updated: 16 December 2020 12:12

The Scottish company behind one of the UK’s largest drive-in tours, The Parking Lot Social, has vowed to bring its events back to Scotland in 2021 despite being forced to cancel all dates north of the border for the rest of the year, including a specially commissioned live action drive-in panto.

Drive-in events are only permitted in Tier 1 and 2 areas in Scotland, despite being allowed to take place in all tiers across the UK. Glasgow-based production company XL Event Lab, organiser of The Parking Lot Social, opened its Winter Festival in England and Wales earlier this month with a string of sold out events.

The company was due to start its Scottish runs in Edinburgh and Glasgow today (Wednesday 16th December) but a final appeal to the Scottish Government on Tuesday to reclassify drive-ins failed, and events have now been cancelled.

Grahame Ferguson, co-CEO of XL Event Lab, producers of The Parking Lot Social, said: “For the past eight weeks we have been pleading with both the Scottish Government and Event Scotland to re-classify drive-ins so that they can take place in Tier 3 areas, just as they can in the other three home nations.

“While we were successful in initiating a review of the classification, the outcome was that the original decision was upheld. Quite frankly, this beggars belief. The Government is happy to allow thousands of customers to flock in to shopping centres and retail parks in Tier 3, but they won’t allow members of the public to attend a drive-in pantos or movies with their own family inside their own car. It's illogical.

“Since the start of December, we've taken our Winter Festival to cities across England and Wales and the reception at each tour stop has been fantastic. As a Scottish company, we are bitterly disappointed that our own Government has decided that they know better than the English, Welsh and Northern Irish administrations who have all recognised drive-ins to be a safe way of providing entertainment and have allowed them to operate, even in the strictest tier levels.

“Over 10,000 car-loads of families who had purchased tickets will now be disappointed along with the dozens of performers, event staff, contractors and various other parts of our supply chain who will be financially impacted by this decision.”

All tickets to The Parking Lot Social’s Winter Festival events in Scotland are now being automatically refunded.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Fife News

Introducing The Kithmore: St Andrews New Boutique Hotel

The Marram Collection today announced that the Ardgowan Hotel on Playfair Terrace, St Andrews will be renamed The Kithmore, following an extensive £7.5 million transformation.

A chance to play in charity pro am golf tournament with some Scottish PGA professionals

Scotscraig Golf Club is “teeing” up a charity pro-am tournament for The Archie Foundation, that will give golfers the chance to play alongside the country’s leading professional golfers.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

New work premiering at the East Neuk Festival

This year, to celebrate its landmark 20th anniversary, the East Neuk Festival has commissioned four new pieces of work which will premiere this week.

Sixty artists open their studios to public for Largo Arts Week

Sixty artists open their studios to public as summer festival kicks off in Fife’s “Robinson Crusoe” village of Lower Largo.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

Jazz artist Euan Stevenson to close eclectic weekend of live gigs at East Neuk Festival

Scottish pianist, composer and arranger Euan Stevenson returns to East Neuk Festival next month for an afternoon performance of jazz classics.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.

Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK

IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.

Popular Listings

Adam Smith Theatre Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Corn Exchange Cupar Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy Lochgelly Centre PJ Molloys Rothes Halls Teasses Estate The Byre Theatre St Andrews

Brakes put on Scottish drive in events until 2021

In light of the new Tier restrictions, the Scottish company behind one of the UK's largest drive-in tours, The Parking Lot Social, has been forced to cancel all dates in Scotland for the rest of 2020.

Sponsored Links

Latest Fife News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings