Image credit: Kieran Webber

The 5,000 capacity outdoor event that will have no social distancing or mask mandate will take place at Sefton Park, Liverpool.

The British Government has announced that it plans to run a trial of a non-socially distanced outdoor concert with 5,000 attendees. This one of the test events designed to help festival organisers and the general events industry have a blueprint so that they can return this summer. 

The event will be run by promoter Festival Republic at Sefton Park, Liverpool on 2nd May, and attendees will not be required to social distance or wear face masks. However, attendees will be required to take a rapid lateral flow test at a local testing centre before entering and will need proof of a negative result. 

According to the statement released by the British Government, researchers will “examine the movements and behaviour of the crowd.”

The pilot gig is part of a research program that will establish how all venues, major sports stadiums, theatres, wedding venues, conference centres, and nightclubs, could safely operate this summer. 

During the second wave of the Coronavirus and the UK’s third lockdown, the events industry, particularly the live music industry, was uncertain. Large-scale events such as Glastonbury canceled and a summer festival season was in doubt. However, the vaccination program and intense lockdown have positively affected battling the virus. Some festivals will be going ahead and tickets sold out within 48 hours. 

The first scientific trial began on Saturday with the World Snooker Championships. The Championships will run until 3rd May and will see 1,000 spectators a day to the Sheffield Crucible Theatre, testing indoor seating. 

UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said in a statement: “We’re one step closer to a summer of live events now our science-led program is underway. Testing different settings and looking at different mitigations is key to getting crowds back safely.” Adding: ”The Sefton Park pilot is an important addition to the program. After many months without live audiences, Festival Republic is bringing live music back to fans with this very special event and I hope it won’t be too much longer until gigs are back for good.”