So here we are, 2022. I have a new calendar on the wall, and I'm wondering if like last year, it's there just for the pretty pictures.
Is there any point in putting in shows and events, or shall I just save the ink?
2022 could easily be as bad as 2021 and 2020 thanks to Covid, or even worse, thanks to messers Putin and Jinping.
I'd love to say I'm looking forward to shows and events, but years ago, learned that looking forward to something was to invite, if not disaster, at least disapointment. I'm someone who (fortunatly) isn't disapointed at not winning the lottery on the rare occasions I buy a ticket, because I figure that a big win would only be accompanied by an even bigger disaster.
Truth is, I miss shows. While not in any way gregarious, I miss having a reason to go somewhere, look at things and buy stuff whilst meeting (mostly) interesting people. Sorry anti-HS2 people, Zoom and online alternatives just don't cut it long term. It might be cheaper to have a virtual beer with freinds, but I would like to go to a pub. Maybe watching a movie is more convenient at home, but I like the occasion of a cinema visit. And yes, you spend less eating at your own table, but just being able to walk in to a cafe without worrying about infection, well I miss that too.
As I write, one of my favourite shows, Stafford, is off for another year. Maybe that's for the best as a big chunk of the fun is the train and vintage bus ride to the venue. Would I want to make those trips that way? Probably not.
Will we see any shows at all in 2022? I can see some might sneak though thanks to an airy venue and professional door staff. Others will decide to "give it another year" - but at the end of 2020, we believed the vaccine programme would mean Covid was a memory by the end of 2021, wheras we aren't far off from the same position. Can anyone believe the end of 2022 won't look very similar?
Please feel free to fill the comments with positive vibes, I could do with them.