[OUTDATED] UK PonyCon 2021 to require evidence of vaccination unless medically exempt

Change to requirements
Our entry requirements for Covid-19 risk management have changed - please click here to see the latest requirements

This page is left as a record of the statement we made on 6th September 2021.

In the interest of providing a safe event, and following the current government guidelines and the expected upcoming changes to them, UK PonyCon is moving to a position of requiring evidence of vaccination for all attendees, personal assistants, contributors, committee, volunteers and stallholders aged 18 years old and over, unless exempt. The easiest way to demonstrate your vaccination status is with the NHS App. Other formats will be accepted, see below for further details. The credit-card sized vaccination appointment card will not be accepted as evidence of vaccination.

We encourage, but do not require, everyone to take a rapid lateral flow test before beginning their journey to the convention, particularly those who are exempt from vaccination and able to take a test. We will not be asking for evidence of a negative test result from those exempt from vaccination.

People showing any COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, must not travel to or attend UK PonyCon. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If you experience any of these symptoms, follow government guidance, seek a test and get medical help if necessary. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during the convention, you must leave and should follow NHS guidelines to isolate and take a PCR test. People instructed to self-isolate must not travel to or attend UK PonyCon.

Our COVID-19 Ticket Promise will refund your ticket or transfer it to the next convention if you are not able to attend UK PonyCon due to showing symptoms or self-isolating, or need to leave early due to developing symptoms. Please contact us at store@ukponycon.co.uk to make a request.

We make this decision now to give you sufficient notice to receive your final dose and obtain the necessary evidence. We hope you will support us with our efforts to protect our community. If for any reason you are no longer able, or wish, to attend, please contact us at store@ukponycon.co.uk to request a full refund of your ticket.

For more information about COVID-19, vaccination, testing and staying safe, please visit the UK Government website at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus or the NHS website at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/. 

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend?

All people aged 18 years old and over must provide evidence of full vaccination, unless medically exempt. The final dose of the course must have been administered on or before Friday 24th September.

How do I demonstrate I have been fully vaccinated?

You will need to demonstrate that you have been fully vaccinated when you first arrive at the convention.

The easiest way for a resident of England to demonstrate their vaccination status is with the NHS COVID Pass in the NHS App, NHS website or as a letter that can be requested by calling 119.

The NHS App for residents of England will currently generate a QR code after complete vaccination, for 48 hours after a negative test, or for 180 days after positive PCR test after isolation has finished. Only NHS COVID Passes issued based on vaccination will be accepted for entry.

People who have received a trial 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.

People from the rest of the UK and other countries can show letters, emails or apps issued by organisations appropriate to their country of residence that state their vaccination status.

The credit-card sized vaccination appointment card issued during your vaccination appointment will not be accepted as evidence of vaccination.

If you have any concerns around providing evidence of vaccination, please email us at store@ukponycon.co.uk.

I am exempt from vaccination. What do I need to do?

When you arrive at the convention, our team will ask you if you are able to provide evidence of your vaccination status. Clearly state that you are exempt from vaccination. No evidence or medical details will be required.

Do I need to have a negative test for COVID-19 to attend?

We do not require a negative test for COVID-19, nor do we ask for evidence of a negative test. We encourage people to take a rapid lateral flow test before beginning their journey to the convention to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Is recovery after a positive COVID-19 test (sometimes referred to as “natural immunity”) accepted in place of vaccination?

No.