Live music in the UK will make its return sooner than fans have expected. 

The UK will see its very first socially distant live music concert venue opening in Newscastle this summer. The 2,500 capacity Virgin Money Unity Arena will see the Newscastle Racecourse being transformed into a safe environment for the enjoyment of live music. Think elevated personal viewing platforms lined up at least 2 metres away from each other - it's a live concert like no other, minus the sweaty crowd.

With experts predicting the return of live music performances from 2021 onwards, COVID-19 saw the physical cancellations of the country's largest music festivals such as Glastonbury, Parklife, Latitude, and BST Hyde Park.

Live concerts and music festivals unlikely to resume until 2021, experts predict

While large-scale music festivals take a breather this year, drive-in concerts have sprung up as an alternative to satisfy the gig-deprived hole in the hearts of many. First introduced in Denmark earlier this May, drive-in concerts were also well-received in other parts of the world including the United States, Australia, and Ireland.

Helmed by the team behind Newcastle's This Is Tomorrow festival and SSD Concerts, the Virgin Money Unity Arena follows the success of drive-in concerts which will happen in 12 venues across the UK this summer. Featuring the likes of The Streets, Kaiser Chiefs, Dizzee Rascal, and more, Utilita Live From The Drive-In will see audiences of 300 cars in large outdoor spaces in cities such as London, Birmingham, and Liverpool.

Stay tuned for more announcements on Virgin Money Unity Arena's Facebook page for updates on their performance lineup - confirmed artists include Craig Charles, Supergrass, Two Door Cinema Club, Tom Grennan, Jason Manford, The Libertines, Bill Bailey, and Maximo Park.

Get your tickets here.

Cover image credit: Virgin Money Unity Arena Facebook