Virgin Money Unity Arena, a new socially distanced outdoor concert venue in the English city of Newcastle upon Tyne, held its first show Tuesday night. Musician Sam Fender played while concertgoers watched from their own personal "pens" (the ones further back were elevated on a platform). Five hundred of these two-meter-wide spaces held the 2,500 attendees, according to NME. More shows are planned.
Here's a look:
Sam Fender live in Newcastle tonight – the first socially distanced large scale concert. Very civilised. Seems to work. 600 pens with 5 family/friends per pen. Sensible loo/bar/food arrangements. It's the future! And least for the foreseeable…… pic.twitter.com/WN0NJsyCXc
— Brian Ham (@_BrianHam) August 11, 2020
The UK's 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. Here's what it looks like #samfender #unityarena pic.twitter.com/YBdxpAjYyi
— Kieron Donoghue (@kierondonoghue) August 11, 2020
Just wanted to point out that my original video was filmed over an hour before @samfendermusic or even his support had taken to the stage. Hence no atmosphere.
Once Sam started playing it was just as good as any of his 'normal' gigs, see new video pic.twitter.com/LraTJ1e3gZ— Kieron Donoghue (@kierondonoghue) August 12, 2020
We are ready… Are you? #VMUnityArena 🚀 pic.twitter.com/sOk1ADc5GK
— Virgin Money Unity Arena (@VMUnityArena) August 11, 2020
image via Virgin Money Unity Arena
