5,000 to attend gig in two weeks with no social distancing or masks
The government pilot event will take place in Liverpool
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
A ‘near-normal’ concert with 5,000 attendees will take place in Liverpool in just two weeks’ time as part of a government pilot.
Fans attending the event at Sefton Park on Sunday 2nd May won’t need to wear face masks or socially distance from each other.
However, attendees will all need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 to gain entry to the to the tent, which is operating at two-thirds of its 7,500 capacity.
Ticketholders will take a lateral flow test, which produces fast results in 30 minutes, at a local testing centre.
Additionally, they will need to take a second test after the event and provide their contact details to the NHS Test and Trace.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “We’re one step closer to a summer of live events now our science-led programme is under way.
“Testing different settings and looking at different mitigations is key to getting crowds back safely. The Sefton Park pilot is an important addition to the programme … I hope it won’t be too much longer until gigs are back for good.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock added: “By trialling a range of measures to reduce transmission, we are able to gather vital evidence to inform our plans for allowing events in the future.
“I am hugely grateful to scientists and clinicians working hard across the country so we can start to enjoy these events again safely.”
Claire McColgan, director of Culture Liverpool, comments: "We should all be proud of the fact we’re part of this brave endeavour which looks to get this vital sector back up and running and resilient once again."
Here are the key dates for lockdown easing in England:
17 May: Indoor mixing
STEP THREE: From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
STEP THREE: Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
STEP THREE: Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.