Government announces list of pilot events to test return of crowds
Pilot events will be testing attendees on entry and exit; utilising one-way systems as part of the venue layout; and employing the use of face coverings.
The government has unveiled a list of nine pilot events designed to test the safe return of crowds in 2021.
Venues participating in the programme will test specific settings – with researchers using the data to determine how sports games, gigs, shows, weddings, conferences and nightclubs could operate.
Pilot events will be testing attendees on entry and exit; utilising one-way systems as part of the venue layout; and employing the use of face coverings.
COVID-status certification will also be trialled as part of the pilot programme.
Researchers will assess particular risk factors throughout – such as the availability of alcohol; catering; and transportation to/from events.
ADVERTISEMENT
The full list of pilot events (and number of attendees permitted) is as follows:
16 April – Hot Water Comedy Club, Liverpool – 300 people (indoor seated)
18 April – FA Cup Semi-Final – Wembley – 4,000 people (outdoor seated)
17 April – 3 May – Snooker World Championships – Sheffield Crucible Theatre – up to 1,000 people a day (indoor seated)
23-25 April – Luna Outdoor Cinema, Liverpool – 1,000 people (outdoor seated)
24-25 April – Three 10k runs – Hatfield Park – 3,000 people and up to 3,000 spectators at each event (outdoor, mass participation run)
25 April – Carabao Cup Final, Wembley – 8,000 people (outdoor, seated)
28 April – Business Event, Liverpool – 1,000 people (indoor, seated and mixing)
30 April – Circus Nightclub, Liverpool – circa 3,000 people (indoor club night)
15 May – FA Cup Final, Wembley, London – 21,000 people (outdoor, seated)
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said that stadiums needed the government to “find ways to get bums back on seats safely.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“This science-led pilot programme will be the springboard in getting the buzz back of live performance,” he stated.
“We’ve supported the sports and arts with unprecedented sums, but it’s now time to make that Great British Summer of live events a reality.”
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the FA, said he was “confident” that Wembley Stadium – which is set to host three of the pilot events – would provide a “safe environment.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“This is an important first step towards getting fans back, with the end goal of full stadia – hopefully by the end of the Men’s Euros,” he stated.
Most sports fixtures have been played behind closed doors since the new year.
On Bank Holiday Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that the second stage of the roadmap would be proceeding as planned – with restrictions on gyms, non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality all set to be lifted from April 12.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.