(Photo: PA)
COVID-safe concert in the UK
With social distancing being the new norm, may have wondered what will become of past social activities like conventions and concerts.
Though one’s first inclination is to think of a tightly packed can of sardines, such high attendance events can be done under the new social distancing guidelines, as demonstrated by one band. On Tuesday, the UK held its first concert with social-distancing measures in place. The Sam Fender concert drew about 2,500 fans in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, and to adhere to the health and safety measures, attendees were separated in groups of five.
“I will miss the mosh pits,” Fender said in an interview with the BBC before the show, “but they will come. They’ll eventually come back when we’re allowed to do it again.”
Fender went on to praise the UK leading the way in this new style of concert-going.
The concert was the first of its kind since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus forced the implementation of restrictions in March. The British government imposed lockdown measures and has since gradually eased them as COVID-19 cases decrease. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in July he believes the country may not need to undergo another nationwide lockdown.
The pop-up venue, the Virgin Money Unity Arena, featured 500 elevated fenced metal platforms and were 6.5 feet apart, each of which seated five attendees. The venue is looking to host musicians including Van Morrison, Maximo Park, and The Libertines in the coming months, as well as comedians Jimmy Carr and Bill Bailey.
The success of the event raises a new question: is this the start of a new era of socially distanced concert venues?
From the pictures and reviews, fans seemed appeared comfortable and happy—or at least more than when they are typically crammed in closer seats or standing areas.
By: Maytinee Kramer
