As reported earlier this month, the UK government is set to launch an Events Research Programme this spring as part of Boris Johnson’s road map to unlock the hospitality sector. The trial events will be used to inform parliament of the safety measures required before business can be resumed.
It has now been announced that many of these pilot events will take place in Liverpool from 12th April. Whilst exactly which venues have not yet been revealed, the trials are said to include nightclubs, stadiums, theatres, concerts and other types of venues. The bustling city is home to many popular party hotspots, including Bramley Moore Dock, 24 Kitchen Street and Underground Liverpool.
Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Claire McColgan MBE, the city’s Director of Culture and Tourism said:
“Liverpool is an event city. They are a critical part of our economy, culture and community and so we are delighted to be working with partners across Government, our colleagues at University of Liverpool and a number of local venues and promoters to plan this series of pilot events.
Our experience as the pilot city for mass testing means we have the knowledge and infrastructure in place to deliver complicated projects safely, and we really hope we can help provide the evidence needed to ensure the wider sector is able to open across the country in the coming months.”
Various factors will be tested as part of the trials, including ventilation, the use of face coverings and how best to utilise the venues’ layout to provide the safest experience, without having to socially distance.
Those in attendance will need to test negative for Covid before entering the venues and be monitored afterwards to see if they were exposed to the virus. Should all go well, clubs will be on track to re-open on June 21st with no distancing required.
Words: Ben Lovejoy
Cover Image: anthonymooney
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