Should We Even Bother With Events Until We Can Attend Them Properly?

News & Features

The UK's first socially-distanced live music venue is set to open in August 2020.

An artist 's impression of a little south concert

"It is likely that the groups will be pre-booked together so no new contact with strangers."

Social distancing measures are still in place due to the worldwide coronavirus threat but many countries, including the UK, are easing their restrictions. This weekend UK pubs and restaurants can reopen with strict social distancing measures in place. Nightclubs and theatres are to remain closed for now.

Many large events have been cancelled with festivals moving plans to next year when restrictions are hoped to have eased. Not all events have been cancelled and we are hearing that the UK's first socially-distant music venue will open this summer.

The Virgin Money Unity Arena will open in Newcastle this summer and is expected to offer a range of live entertainment from bands, films and DJ sets courtesy of SSD concerts who plan major artist bookings.

From the visual plans it looks like people will be grouped together in fenced sections 2 metres apart. It is likely that the groups will be pre-booked together so no new contact with strangers.

Is this a good idea? Should we even bother with plans like this if we can't do it properly and socialise? More concerning is that if this plan is popular it could pave the way for events in the future. Or is this just what we need to kick start the live music industry and give us what are missing right now?

The managing director of SSD concerts, Steve Davis says: "Since all of our scheduled concerts have been postponed to later in the year and all venues in the city closed, the staff at SSD had a willingness to continue. We can’t be without music during these times so our only thought has been how can we bring music back to the British public safely and responsibly. We have been hosting loads of live sessions and DJ sets across our social media, supporting local artists and raising money for the NHS. Now, we’re taking it one step further as the UK slowly comes out of Lockdown."
The little south logo is on a blue background.

Written by

Editorial Team • 3 July 2020
by Editorial Team 3 April 2026
LOFTIE’s high-energy mix mirrors his evolution from early 2000s vinyl to festival stages. Expect a journey from driving House to the gritty, heavy bass of modern UKG.
by Editorial 19 March 2026
South West house DJ Rebecca D blends bass-driven tech grooves. Stream her latest underground podcast mix on Little South.
by Editorial Team 16 March 2026
Ink takes over The Old Bakery Studios, Truro. A local 140, Bassline & Garage night ft. Pilch, lowla, B3no, M-LOC, Beef E Beatz & Benn Double NN.
by Editorial Team 9 March 2026
DJ Wallis Ryan returns with a high-energy house podcast mix. The Little South Podcast of the Year 2023 winner delivers bouncy basslines and euphoric, melodic tracks.
by Editorial Team 20 February 2026
In.Our.DNA, Evosonic & Sawan present The Thrillseekers in Plymouth, 3 May 2026. A 12-hour trance odyssey from sunset vibes to late-night euphoria. Get tickets now!
by Editorial Team 20 February 2026
Experience the organic flow of DJ BenG’s latest mix. Ben Holtam blends funk, soul, and house, building from low-tempo grooves to high-energy dancefloor anthems.
Show More