Following the footsteps of cities like Amsterdam that have begun to host test events to examine the risks of reopening nightlife venues ahead, Liverpool will be the first city in the United Kingdom to host their own test club nights. As part of the UK Government’s Event Research Programme (ERP), the pilot test events will take place April 30 and May 1 at the city’s Bramley-Moore Dock.
Up to 3,000 people will be able to attend each night. Further details will be announced, but Circus founder Yousef suggested that the venue will be a “beautiful warehouse” with an “enormous square footage” to comply with specific requirements. A “whole team of scientists” will also be present to collect data. Venue layouts, mask-wearing, ventilation and levels of social distancing under controlled conditions are examples of variables under study.
As will almost all events, all attendees will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry. A follow-up test will also be required after the event to track infections.
The ERP program will test other pilot events as well, including the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield and the FA Cup final at Wembley. The goal is to examine how reopening venues can be done safely as the city aims to lift social contact restrictions in June.