Global News: First ‘Socially Distanced’ Concert Held In UK

The U.K. held an outdoor “socially distanced” concert on Tuesday, the country’s first since COVID-19 spread around the world. Approximately 2,500 fans gathered at Virgin Money Unity Arena in Gosforth Park, Newcastle, with a show by English singer-songwriter Sam Fender.

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Images and video of the concert quickly went viral; instead of people standing side by side in a large mass, it featured 500 separate viewing areas, most on raised metal platforms. The areas are roughly six feet apart and can accommodate up to five people, all of whom must arrive in the same vehicle.

The venue’s website lists a number of rules about food and drink — that must be pre-ordered on phones — and a physically distanced queuing system for entering the arena after parking.

Guests are also not permitted to leave the platforms unless they’re going to use the bathrooms, which can be found at the end of each row of viewing areas.

As of this writing, there are no venues in Canada currently offering this option, though some concerts have been held at drive-in theatres to great success.

Several musicians and comedians — including Van Morrison, Jimmy Carr and Bill Bailey — will follow suit later in the year in a series of events.