People attend a test music festival as part of a national research programme assessing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in Liverpool, Britain May 2, 2021. REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
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.
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 10 p.m. 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.
($1 = 0.72 pounds)
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Amazon secured a key early win as a federal judge blocked New York from enforcing…
The Enthuse Foundation has revealed the finalists for its 7th Annual Women Founders Pitch Competition,…
The Marcus Evans 2nd Edition Model Risk Management, Canada conference taking place in Toronto, Canada…
Economists say Shanghai is strengthening its role as China’s reform engine, accelerating innovation and global…
U.S. shoppers are set to spend nearly $80 billion this Black Friday and Cyber Monday,…
Waiken has unveiled a US$450 million investment plan through 2031 to strengthen its entertainment and…