The 2021 BRIT Awards will host a live non socially distanced audience of 4,000 who don’t have to wear masks at The O2 arena in London on May 11.
The live show will form part of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme, using enhanced testing approaches to examine how events can take place without the need for social distancing.
The BRIT Awards 2021 will be the first live music show at The O2 in over a year, and will play an important role in paving the way for the return of live music in the UK.
2,500 tickets will be gifted via ballot to frontline workers (and a guest of their choice) – the ballot will be open on the Brit Award's website from midday on Thursday April 22.
Audience members attending the indoor ceremony will not be socially distanced or required to wear face coverings once seated, however they will need proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue and will be required to provide details to NHS Test and Trace and follow Government guidance while travelling.
The Brits are the latest addition to the Government’s Events Research Programme, which is looking at how venues can restart large events and welcome crowds back safely this summer.
The World Snooker Championships at the Sheffield Crucible and an outdoor gig at Sefton Park, hosted by Festival Republic, are also being used to gather data which will inform Government policy.
Dua Lipa, Griff, Arlo Parks and Headie One are among the artists scheduled to perform during the ceremony, which will be hosted by Jack Whitehall.
Three-time Brit winner Lipa said:
“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.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden also commented:
“The Brits are always a big night in the music calendar, but this year’s awards will be particularly special. They will reunite live audiences with the best of British talent for the first time in a year, while providing a vital opportunity to see how we can get large crowds back safely as soon as possible. Music connected us when we were separated by this pandemic and now it’s going to help bring us back together again.”
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry and Brit Awards, said:
“This year’s Brit Awards with Mastercard is one of the most significant in the show’s history. Not only will we be celebrating the brilliant music and artists that have helped us through the pandemic, but we hope it will provide a path for the return of live music that fans and artists have so sorely missed. And as a thank you to the key workers who have kept our country going through the difficult times, we are inviting them to be our audience for the first live performances at The O2 in over a year.
“We’re buzzing about the show and working closely with Government, The O2 and all our partners to ensure all safety measures and guidelines are adhered to.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock added:
“We continue to take steps to getting back to doing the things we love, whether that’s meeting friends and loved ones, or attending live sport and music. These planned pilots mean we can gather the necessary evidence to inform our plans for future events, ensuring mass events can take place safely.
“I am enormously grateful for the hard work of scientists and clinicians from across the country, which will mean we can start to enjoy these events again safely.”
Other events in the government’s pilot scheme include Blossoms headlining a 5,000 capacity maskless gig in Liverpool’s Sefton Park on May 2, while May Bank Holiday weekend will see the same city host ‘The First Dance’, a two-day clubbing event featuring Fatboy Slim, The Blessed Madonna, Jayda G and more.