A non-socially distanced gig is being trialled in Liverpool next month

Liverpool’s Sefton Park is set to host an outdoor concert headlined by Blossoms without social distancing or face coverings on May 2nd.

The gig, organised by Festival Republic, will require all 5,000 ticket holders to take a “rapid lateral flow test” at a local testing centre before entry.

Attendees will also have to take a test after the concert, and will need to provide details to NHS Test and Trace to ensure they can be contacted if someone who attended tests positive.

Researchers on site will “examine the movements and behaviour of the crowd”, and the show is part of a pilot looking towards the return of large-scale events.

UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “We’re one step closer to a summer of live events now our science-led programme is underway. Testing different settings and looking at different mitigations is key to getting crowds back safely.

“The Sefton Park pilot is an important addition to the programme. After many months without live audiences, Festival Republic are bringing live music back to fans with this very special event and I hope it won’t be too much longer until gigs are back for good,” he added.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “These pilots will inform our approach to ensuring future big events can take place safely. By trialling a range of measures to reduce transmission, we are able to gather vital evidence to inform our plans for allowing events in the future.”

A leading nightlife association recently described vaccine passports as “unworkable” for music venues in the UK.

TRNSMT Festival faced backlash after confirming the Scottish event’s lineup would include notorious anti-vaxxer Ian Brown.