ITS been a long 16 months for those organising live entertainment, with the vast majority of gigs unable to take place due to social distancing measures.

However, the news that Prime Minister announced on Monday (July 5) about the final lifting of restrictions, including on social distancing and mask wearing, will be lifted on July 19 has been welcomed by many.

One of those welcoming the news is Scott Burstow, who is a fundraiser for Northwich-based charity Tiny Steps, with the vast majority of the events he organises being live music gigs.

"It feels like a really long 18 months for charities and fundraising," Scott said.

"Tiny Steps in particular has had to put on hold there stay and play events for most of last year and the fund raising that many do to support them obviously was tough to administer due to Covid.

"Our nights start again from August and run every month until January with the majority moved once and sometimes twice and I’m so thankful that everyone who bought a ticket understood and retained for the new date.

"That really meant a lot."

Northwich Guardian: Scott Burstow (right) with Tiny Steps Patron Clint Boon at a previous gig

Scott Burstow (right) with Tiny Steps Patron Clint Boon at a previous gig

Last year proved to be one of many false dawns for Scott and his fundraising efforts with several gigs postponed, sometimes more than once, but finally there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

Many of Tiny Steps charity nights take place at The Salty Dog, and there are still tickets left to see brilliant Liverpool band Tea Street Band perform at the venue on September 24. There are also tickets left for shows in December and January, but as always, Scott is confident they won't last long, especially now as the Government has given a confident nod for life to return to something like normal.

He added: "The three nights that are selling quick but have tickets left are in September at The Salty Dog to see Liverpool’s Tea Street Band and Northwich’s own, Chris Tavener.

"December we move to the amazing Plaza and welcome our patron, Clint Boon and keys and dance legend, Davos who are performing classic tracks from the Hacienda era and then finally, we are over at Memorial Court, Brio, where Clint joins us again with Happy Mondays funky dancer, Bez and another ace night to look forward to.

"These nights are always magical, all sell out and provide much needed funds and awareness to Tiny Steps and hopefully give us all a date to get your dancing shoes dusted down after a really difficult time.

"All the nights are put together by volunteers and proceeds go in their entirety to Tiny Steps and the amazing work they do in providing fun and safe activities for Children with Special Educational Needs and support there ‘forever home’ with their own unique sensory home."

For tickets to any of the above events go to wegottickets.com/tinysteps