U.K. TO TEST RETURN OF CONCERTS  

The potential return of the U.K.’s live-music industry is kicking off 5/2 with a 5k-capacity outdoor gig from Blossoms at Sefton Park in Liverpool as part of the government’s pilot scheme. Attendees will be tested before and after entry.

There will be no social distancing or face masks required at the event, and ticket-holders, who have to live in the local area, will be required to take a lateral flow test at a local testing center the previous day and receive a negative result before tickets will be issued.

They’ll also be asked to take an at-home PCR test on the day of the gig and five days later, and provide their details to the NHS Test and Trace service, which will contact attendees if someone who went to the event tests positive. Sefton Park’s capacity has been reduced to 5k from 7.5k; The Lathums and Zuzu are supporting.

At the event, scientists will assess how attendees move and respond, according to Culture Liverpool Director Claire McColgan, who told the BBC Radio 5 breakfast program that it has been nearly two years since outdoor mass-attendance events took place in the city. Melvin Benn, whose Festival Republic is promoting the gig, said it exemplifies "our absolute commitment" to demonstrate that the live industry "can and will" open on the Government's proposed date of 6/21.

The gig is part of the U.K.’s Government’s science-led Events Research Programme, which has a research team studying real-time live event protocols to test the waters ahead of a possible reopening of venues and nightclubs this summer. The first event was due to take place 4/16—a 300-capacity show at Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool—but venue owner canceled after receiving widespread backlash for being linked to the proposals for coronavirus health certificates.