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BRIT Awards to go ahead in 2021 with live audience

A crowd of over 4,000 will be in attendance - with 2,500 tickets gifted by the recorded music industry to frontline workers.

The Manc The Manc - 22nd April 2021

An audience of 4,000 people will attend the BRIT Awards in 2021 as the ceremony becomes the latest event to join the government’s COVID pilot programme.

The event – featuring live performances from Dua Lipa, Headie One, Arlo Parks and Griff – will take place at London’s O2 Arena and be around a quarter-full on the night, with 2,500 seats reserved for key workers.

Tickets are being gifted by the music industry to frontline staff via ballot to “thank them for their remarkable hard work and selfless commitment.”

Attendees will need to show a negative test result upon entry and take another test after the event, but will not need to socially distance from others or wear masks.

The Events Research Programme has been launched to gather data from populated venues in an attempt to reintroduce bigger crowds in England later this summer.

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Two Greater Manchester bands Blossoms and The Lathums have been booked to headline another pilot event at Sefton Park in Liverpool on May 2, with reduced crowds already attending sporting fixtures this month.

Danielle Kennedy-Clark, Deputy General Manager of The O2 said: “We’re proud that The O2 has been selected to host the largest indoor capacity pilot event with The BRITs.

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“This scientific trial is an important step on the path to recovery for the live entertainment industry, and our operational teams are making the final preparations to be able to welcome people into The O2 again for the first time in more than a year.”

Dua Lipa stated: “This has been a long tough year for everyone and I’m delighted the night will honour the key worker heroes who have cared for us so well during that time and continue to do so.

“They are quite simply an inspiration. The Brit Awards are always special and this will truly make it a night to remember.”

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The BRIT Awards will be screened live on ITV on Tuesday 11 May.

View the 2021 nominees online.