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?