U.K. Pulls Off Socially-Distanced Concert in Venue Built With Pods
It’s already been a long summer without concerts, but at least one venue in the United Kingdom is trying something new, and seems to have had some good success for a first outing.
Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle, UK held a socially-distanced concert for indie rock singer Sam Fender, with 2,500 fans spaced out. The arrangement, seen in the social media posts below, had groups of people divided into 500 pods of five people, that were spaced apart about 6 feet. Pods toward the back of the space were on risers to give better sightlines, while closer spots were ground level. The pods were divided with metal fencing dividers.
Fans seemed to have positive reactions on social media, for the most part, as NME pointed out. ChronicleLive said that concert promoters SD Concerts arranged for each pod to have their own tables, chairs, and even fridge.
The venue was specially built to handle outdoor performances in the coronavirus-restricted world. As COVID-19 spread continues, artists and venues are looking for creative ways to connect with their fans. They have a full schedule planned for the coming weeks, including Van Morrison, Ronan Keating, and several other British bands.
Next up itâs @samfendermusic
— Virgin Money Unity Arena (@VMUnityArena) August 11, 2020
đđđđđđđđđđ pic.twitter.com/12Sl5R6Mi9
The UKâs first socially distanced gig is happening now in Newcastle with @samfendermusic headlining, and where attendees have their own private viewing area with 2m of space between them. Hereâs what it looks like #samfender #unityarena pic.twitter.com/YBdxpAjYyi
— Kieron Donoghue (@kierondonoghue) August 11, 2020
Photo: @samfendermusic onstage at @VMUnityArena tonight. Cracking night all round. Massive respect to @SSDConcerts for making it work. #WeMakeEvents #eventprofs #eventphotography pic.twitter.com/I3UkIrJpD9
— Thomas @ TyneSight (@TyneSightPhoto) August 11, 2020
"The Geordies are the trailblazers on whatever this new thing is. We are the first to this. We should take pride in it" đ @samfendermusic - Unity Arena 2020. đ pic.twitter.com/ZJHH01MLqe
— Virgin Money Unity Arena (@VMUnityArena) August 12, 2020
Well this is what out door music gigs are going to look like for the foreseeable this is the first UK social distancing concert at the Virgin Unity Arena on @NewcastleRaces festureing local artist @samfendermusic @PAImages pic.twitter.com/HmB1dQDGrc
— Owen Humphreys (@owenhumphreys1) August 11, 2020
