Dorset pub creates 'socially distanced' live music venue

Live music's back for one pub near Bridport, welcoming an audience of up to 80 people each Sunday.

The Leggomen were the first to perform at the Sunday Sessions for the Half Moon in Melplash.

A marquee has been set up to create a socially distanced venue.

Jamie Isaacs from JSW Entertainment group in Beaminster is behind the project.

He said:

"From doing shows all across the world on a multitude of scales, from arenas to small cabaret shows in Paris, I've seen the world.

"But it's been so long since we've done a live event the joy, not only from the team but also from the public, and the sense of awe, because people haven't seen this style of event happen before.

"Generally the response from everyone is a bit of amazement and also of joy that we can actually get this thing rolling."

Jamie says it's a glimmer of hope of returning to normality, especially in the live events sector.

Every Sunday, the Half Moon will be hosting live music with the expected high end experience of a cabaret theatre, featuring niceties such as heating and table service.

They say they're working hard to make sure it's all COVID-secure, sticking to the government guidelines as well as working with environmental health and with the local licensing office to ensure it's as safe as can be.

Jamie said:

"The entertainment and arts industry has become neglected and left slightly in the dark with all of the guidelines to keep and ensure people are remaining safe.

"Our aim is to try and relight the fires, and try and start testing the new models.

"Everyone in the Entertainment industry at this time is trying to find the new model that works."

Bookings are made for socially distanced bubbles to reduce contact and one way systems are also in place to limit the amount of contact patrons will share.

All the usual test and trace and hygiene systems will be in place too.

The venue has released it's Sunday Sessions line-up through to mid-November:

13th September: Jinder

20th September: Endure Fort

27th September: Mutter Slater & Friends

4th October: Psychadelephant

11th October: Sound Of The Sirens

18th October: The Leylines Duo

25th October: The Leggomen Acoustic

1st November: The Fools Paradise Acoustic

8th November: Velvet & Stone Duo