Liverpool clubbers to hit the dancefloor in COVID study event

Liverpool clubbers are set to hit the dancefloor in a coronavirus study event this spring.

In February, as part of the government’s “road map” to reopening the UK’s closed hospitality and nightlife sectors, The Times announced that an Events Research Programmewi (ERP) was set to launch in April, with trial events at nightclubs, stadiums, theatres, concerts and other events venues all expected to take place with volunteers.

Now, it has been announced that the government’s ERP will pilot several events in Liverpool — home to venues such as Bramley Moore Dock and 24 Kitchen Street — at a nightclub, comedy club and business events venue, testing the settings to collect evidence and better understand best practice amid easing coronavirus restrictions.

Claire McColgan MBE, Director of Culture and Tourism in Liverpool told the Liverpool Echo: “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.”

Trials will involve testing aspects such as the layout of the venue, ventilation and face coverings, while attendees will not be required to socially distance.

Last month UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave hope to the night time economy and live events sectors — which have been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic — announcing that nightclubs and music venues across the country could be reopened as soon as the 21st June.

In response to the new reopening dates, which will only go ahead if the government’s “four conditions” are met at each phase of lockdown easing, workers, organisations and spokespeople for the UK’s live music and night time economy have urged the government to continue providing financial support to the sector.