PHOTOS: The UK's first socially distanced outdoor gig takes place
The first night of The Virgin Money Unity Arena concert series
Last updated 12th Aug 2020
The UK's first large-scale socially distanced outdoor concert took place at Gosforth Park in Newcastle last night (Tuesday 11th August)
Socially distanced venue The Virgin Money Unity Arena at Newcastle Racecourse is hosting a series of shows throughout August and into September, with a variety of bands including The Bootleg Beatles, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac and Van Morrison set to perform.
There are also comedy performances from Jason Manford, Bill Bailey and Jimmy Carr, plus events for kids including Dinosaur World Live.
Last night, local musician Sam Fender open proceedings with a completely sold out concert.
A total of 2,500 people attended the show who were all standing in 500 mini enclosures, 2 metres apart, with each one holding up to five people. It’s estimated that without social distancing, the venue could have held up to 45,000 fans.
Each platform had seats, allowed a great view of the stage, and attendees ordered food and drinks to their enclosures to minimise the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Steve Davis from SSD Concerts told the BBC before the gig: “It's a vast site - 45,000 sq metres, the equivalent of over six football pitches, which is crazy. On a normal day you can get 45,000 people in here, but our capacity for the gigs will be 2,500.
"We've also got lots more toilets than we would usually have for normal festivals to keep people apart.
"Hopefully groups together on their platforms in their own bubbles will have a good time and still get the vibe of a really good concert experience."