Since 3.4.2022 with an initial term until 30.4.2022, new rules apply with the 16th Bavarian Infection Protection Measures Ordinance for the staging of cultural events. Accordingly, there is no limit to the seating capacity in event halls and the official requirement to wear med. protective masks no longer applies.The Bayreuth Festival is currently revising the hygiene concept for this year’s festival in consultation with the licensing authorities. The hygiene concept will ultimately form the basis for the operating permit to be issued and will assume full occupancy of the hall. Since the pandemic situation in the summer cannot yet be assessed for the performances from July 25, 2022 to September 2, 2022, we are currently continuing to prepare for a 2G/3G access regulation as a precautionary measure, as well as mandatory masks in the hall even during the performances. Orientation exclusively to the current legal situation and the current infection situation would mean endangering this year’s performances. When drawing up the hygiene concept, the special structural features of the auditorium and the possibilities of ventilation also play an important role, which is why a comparison with other theaters or opera houses is not readily possible. The measures within the framework of the hygiene concept are determined with the involvement of external experts as well as the responsible authorities in consideration of the various interests, which range from facilitating hygiene protection to reducing the risk of infection. This year’s hygiene protection requirements will be based on the legal and regulatory requirements, but must in any case comply with or implement the official requirements for the granting of the operating license; they may therefore differ from the requirements in other theaters.We are always guided by the interest in enabling our audiences to attend performances safely; to the extent necessary, we will adapt the regulations in accordance with the legal situation in effect in the summer, taking into account Bayreuth-specific peculiarities. We sincerely hope that the number of infections will be significantly lower in the summer and will keep you informed about the current official regulations and developments and the resulting effects on our website.