Liverpool Pilot Events A Step In The Right Direction For The Nightlife Industry

Last weekend, a series of pilot events without masks or social distancing took place in Liverpool as part of the Government’s Event Research Programme. These events aimed to test safety at mass gatherings and gather scientific data to inform plans for the upcoming grand reopening planning of the nightlife and event industries.

On Friday, an event with 3,000 attendees took place at Circus nightclub. This was the first legal nightlife event held in the UK since nightclubs were forced to shut their doors last March. As there were no masks or social distancing, the condition of entry was a negative Covid-19 test result. This event was followed on Sunday by a pilot music festival at Sefton Park, which had 5,000 attendees.

It will be interesting to learn how these pilot events will shape government policy on the return of large scale events and whether it will be possible to meet the 21st June reopening date set out in the roadmap for lifting restrictions. Figuring out the logistics for reopening safely poses an immense challenge as there are many aspects to consider, including how venues are laid out, ventilation and testing. However, the fact that these events were able to go ahead is a clear sign that we are heading towards some semblance of normality.

These pilot events and reporting that social distancing will be no longer be necessary within the next couple of months provides the nightlife and event industries with much-needed hope. When many are barely hanging on, they have finally been provided with something more sufficient than just a date. I would imagine this has offered many nightlife business owners a renewed sense of optimism and the hope that brighter days are finally within reach.