Coronavirus: UK allows mask-free music festival, with 5,000 human guinea pigs
- Test event in Liverpool part of a broader programme of trials to explore how to reopen large venues safely
- Data will be used to help understand the effect of crowds on the spread of the virus
Live music returned to the birthplace of The Beatles after a long coronavirus-enforced silence on Sunday when the English city of Liverpool hosted a one-off music festival to test whether such events spread the virus.
Around 5,000 people ditched face coverings and social distancing rules in the name of science and music. They attended the outdoor event having tested negative for Covid-19, and promised to get themselves tested again five days after the festival.
Their data will be used by the government’s Events Research Programme to help understand the effect of crowds on the spread of the virus.
But the scientific side of the event was far from the minds of revellers as they danced through the gates of Sefton Park.
“It just feels so good, so amazing – it’s been too long,” said 19-year-old student Meghan Butler.
Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic, said he hoped his pilot project would play a key part in getting outdoor events back on the calendar this year.
“Once they get into the show they can party as though it’s 2019,” he said. “You can feel that the burden of the last 12 months, the last 15 months, has just been lifted a little.”
Sunday’s line-up in a purpose-built tent consisted of three acts: local singer-songwriter Zuzu, up-and-coming indie group The Lathums and headliners Blossoms.
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Getting to headline the event was an honour, said Blossoms lead singer Tom Ogden: “It’s been 413 days since we were last on stage … It’s been a long time and we’re delighted to be here.”
Lasting less than six hours and with a 10pm curfew, the festival was a far cry from the multi-day hedonism of bigger events like Glastonbury, but those attending said there was nowhere else they’d rather be.
“Let’s enjoy life, lets get back to normal!” said 25-year old labourer Harry Smith.
Britain has recorded more than 127,000 coronavirus deaths, Europe’s highest toll. But a fast-moving vaccination campaign has given almost two-thirds of adults at least one shot, and the government is gradually lifting the restrictions on social and economic life that were in place over much of the last 14 months.
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Most shops and services are open, but indoor drinking, dining and entertainment will not resume before May 17 at the earliest. Some social distancing rules will be in place until at least June 21.
Experiences elsewhere in Europe are encouraging. Organisers of a Barcelona concert last month attended by 4,500 mask-wearing fans who had been screened for the virus say the event produced no significant outbreaks.
On Sunday, bullfighting with fans returned to Madrid for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with several thousand spectators allowed into the Spanish capital’s Las Ventas ring.
Regional authorities put a limit of 40 per cent. occupancy for Madrid’s first bullfight in over a year, meaning up to 6,000 fans could attend. Fans had assigned seats and had to wear face masks at all times
Additional reporting by Associated Press
