Final gigs at UK's first socially distanced music venue cancelled due to North East lockdown
Sad news
Last updated 17th Sep 2020
The final gigs at The Virgin Money Unity Arena, the UK's first dedicated socially distanced music venue, have been cancelled due to new lockdown restrictions in the North East.
From midnight tonight (17th September), around two million people in the North East will be banned from mixing with other households, and pubs will close early in a bid to combat rising coronavirus cases.
Confirming the cancellation of the final shows, organisers said in a statement: “In light of the official announcement that new local lockdown measures will be introduced with immediate effect in the North East due to the rapid rise of Covid-19 cases in the region, event organisers SSD Concerts have made the decision that the final shows at Virgin Money Unity Arena will sadly no longer go ahead.”
Held at Gosforth Park in Newcastle, since it launched on 11th August with a sold-out show from local lad Sam Fender, the socially distanced venue has entertained over 50,000 music and comedy fans.
Each concert had a capacity of 2,500 people and featured 500 mini enclosures, 2 metres apart, with each one holding up to five people.
Crucially, The Virgin Money Unity Arena has employed over 200 crew and staff giving some work to a beleaguered music industry and given artists a vital platform to perform live.
The Bootleg Beatles, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, Van Morrison, Jimmy Carr and Bill Bailey are just some of the acts who appeared at the venue.
Event organiser Steve Davis says: “It is extremely disappointing to have to cancel these final shows at the end of what has been an incredible six week run of successfully socially-distanced concerts. We're honoured to have been able to provide a little happiness and joy to thousands of music and comedy fans throughout the region and the UK in what has been such a tough 2020 for everyone.
“We have complied with all government guidance to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our audience, artists and crew throughout. We’d like to thank all who attended these genuinely heart warming and uplifting events. For the last six weeks, Newcastle has been the leading light for the live music industry and for that, we should all be very proud.
“Unfortunately, due to the rise of infection in the North East, we must comply with the council’s and the government’s latest advice. This should not take away from the fact that the people of the North East and from all over the world have embraced this pioneering run of shows.
“On behalf of everyone involved – our sponsors Virgin Money, Newcastle City Council, the dedicated crew and staff who have worked so hard to make this a success – again I thank you so much. Sadly, the new lockdown measures will bring an end to our run, but the safety and the wellbeing of the people of the North East is our prime and utmost concern.”