Clubbers Attend Pilot Scheme At First Nightclub To Open Since Lockdown Began

A pilot event in Liverpool has seen thousands of eager clubbers attend the first nightclub open in more than a year.

For the first time since the first UK lockdown began in March 2020, clubbers - who had all provided negative coronavirus test results - were welcomed back to the dancefloor at Circus' The First Dance event where they weren't required to wear masks or follow social distancing.

According to the BBC, 6,000 people are expected to attend over two consecutive nights - although it's a slightly unusual event, kicking off at 2pm and ending at around 11pm.

It is hoped the event, which features sets from DJ Yousef and Fatboy Slim, will allow clubs across the country to reopen as the UK comes out of lockdown.

Sam Newson, the event producer, said the pilot was 'vital' after the events industry had been 'decimated' over the last year.

PA

PA

He said: "For the last 12 months, it has been a disaster.

"People have moved on, I've got colleagues who have lost houses, it has been incredibly hard and so to try and get this back up and running is incredibly important."

He added: "I stood on stage early on and I had a little bit of a teary eye, I'm not going to lie, it is very emotional.

"Any event is special but with the amount of work that has gone into this and to be the first in the country in over 12 months, it is very special."

Student Elliott Cause, 20, who attended, told the PA news agency: "I feel like this is a big moment for the UK.

Mercury Press

"I feel like uni students have been struggling without this, I feel like this will do a lot.

"You can already see people are so up for it, the energy's great."

While 18-year-old Leah Lawless added: "We are very excited. It's been hard, it's been boring, a bit sad, depressing and not the best."

Although it's a chance for people to let their hair down after a very long few months, it's also being used by scientists to look into Covid transmission.

Mercury Press

Mercury Press

Air quality and movement were also being monitored as part of a Loughborough University-led study to create clear guidance on how to design and operate non-domestic buildings to minimise risk.

The night is part of the Events Research Programme, which will also see crowds return to events including the FA Cup final and a music festival held in Liverpool's Sefton Park.

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19