UK’s first socially distanced music venue is coming this summer
Fear not concert lovers, for the UK’s first socially distanced music venue has been revealed. The venue, Virgin Money Unity Arena, will be coming to Newcastle this summer, offering people the chance to enjoy live music all while staying safe amid the coronavirus pandemic. From the people behind the North East’s This Is Tomorrow Festival, concert-goers will be able to go from parking to individual platforms while following social distancing rules. Helen Page, Group Brand and Marketing Director at Virgin Money, explained: ‘At Virgin Money we are being as innovative as possible during these challenging times, and music is very much at the heart of our new brand direction. We are delighted to play a part in bringing back live music events as we start to emerge from lockdown.
‘This feels like a unique opportunity to celebrate music and all the wonderful emotions that come with experiencing it live alongside other music fans. We’re looking forward to partnering with The Unity Arena on this event near to our Virgin Money home in Gosforth.’
Better than no concerts at all, right? People from the same household can arrive at the venue, park and go straight to their own personal viewing platform. As for food and drinks? It will be available for pre-order. Located on the grounds of the spectacular Gosforth Park, the home of Newcastle racecourse, the arena will host entertainment from live music and DJ sets to family entertainment and comedy. Commenting on the new outdoor venue, Managing Director of SSD, Steve Davis, said: ‘Since all of our scheduled concerts have been postponed to later in the year and all venues in the city closed, the staff at SSD had a willingness to continue. ‘We can’t be without music during these times so our only thought has been how can we bring music back to the British public safely and responsibly.’
He continued: ‘Further announcements will be coming in the coming weeks, but we’re excited to say we already have several high-profile artists signed up.’ The line-up for the events this summer will be revealed on Tuesday 7 July 2020.
