Liverpool will reopen early for clubbers

Liverpool will be open for clubbing early this year, with the government planning test events in the city as part of its pilot plan for easing lockdown restrictions.

A number of test events are due to take place this Spring in order to investigate the safety of reopening venues, with the government's Events Research Programme (ERP) set to analyse key scientific data around small-scale to large-scale events towards its plan for the total lifting of social contact restrictions in June.

Major sporting occasions such as the FA Cup final at Wembley and World Snooker Championships are also due to welcome in spectators.

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Liverpool has been revealed to be part of the pilot scheme, which will include a nightclub, comedy club and business events venue opening early for test events in the city.

Variables tested at the events will include venue layouts, mask wearing, ventilation and no social distancing under controlled conditions. All attendees will be required to produce a negative COVID test ahead of the event, and they will tested afterwards.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "These test events will be crucial in finding ways to get fans and audiences back in safely without social distancing.

"We will be guided by the science and medical experts, but will work flat out to make that happen. We want to get the people back to enjoying what they love and ensure some of our most important growth industries get back on their feet.

"These are important steps towards the safe and special summer we all crave and that I’m fully focused on delivering."

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Claire McColgan MBE, Director of Culture and Tourism in Liverpool, 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."

[Via: Liverpool Echo]

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Features Editor, follow him on Twitter