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The world’s ‘first socially distanced concert’ happened in the UK last night

Thoughts?

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Sam Fender held an outdoor concert last night, in what promoters have called the ‘world’s first socially distanced gig’. 

Taking place at the Virgin Money Unity Arena in his home town of Newcastle, Sam Fender held a gig that featured socially-distanced boxes for each group of people.

There were 500 pods, each holding up to five people, who were able to order food and drink.

The events industry has been one of the hardest hit by Covid-19, risking 114,000 jobs. Industry workers staged a huge silent protest in Manchester earlier this week to raise awareness of the crisis the touring, festival and events sector is facing. 

Last night’s socially distant concert to 2,500 people was the first event of its kind since restrictions were put in place. 

Audience members wore face coverings as they walked around buying drinks and food, but could take them off to eat, drink and dance in their own pods. 

There are set to be further concerts from Sir Van Morrison, The Libertines and Maximo Park throughout August and early September.

There are also rumours Jimmy Carr and Bill Bailey will be hosting a gig in the temporary arena too. 

It’s divided opinions online with some people saying they like the new style if it means they can get back to seeing music live. Others have also pointed out that they would actually start going to concerts again if they didn’t have to ‘rub up against sweaty people’.

One person was a fan of the new style of concert, saying: “Sam Fender live in Newcastle tonight – the first socially distanced large scale concert. Very civilised. Seems to work. 600 pens with 5 family/friends per pen. Sensible loo/bar/food arrangements. It’s the future! And least for the foreseeable.”

Another added:
Fantastic night! Sam Fender was class! Can all concerts be like this?! Brilliantly organised! Thank you!”

Some users have pointed out they will miss the usual concerts, with one user simply writing ‘RIP mosh pits’. 

Another said: “Love Sam Fender but if that’s what the future is, count me out. That’s not what gigs are for me. It’s the atmosphere of being surrounded by others captivated by what’s going on on the stage loving life.”

What do you reckon then, would you go to a socially distanced concert?

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Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season

Get in the festive spirit in Stockport!

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Stockport’s free, one-day Christmas festival is returning this festive season, with 200 performers and more than 50 shows.

Spectacular Sunday will return to the town on November 17th at various sites and venues.

Following the success of last year’s event, hundreds of performers will take over Stockport, with everything from giant roller-skating presents to a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls.

There will also be street theatre, including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and water show.

Matthew Nichol Photography

Produced by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement.

Events will be happening in iconic Stockport locations like Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.

A grand finale in Merseyway will bring together the brass bands of Stockport, ending the day with a huge flash mob and rendition of All You Need Is Love.

Cirq Delight

Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success.

“It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy.

“With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.

“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.”

Spectacular Sunday is happening from 11am to 5pm on Sunday November 17th – find out more HERE.

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Boom Battle Bar: Ultimate games destination for perfect birthday, stag do or work party

Boom Battle Bar has got it all!

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Manchester's Finest Group

If you’re stuck for somewhere to go this Christmas party season, or for any birthday, stag or hen do, or even a regular weekend with your mates, we’ve got the perfect spot.

Boom Battle Bar is a massive games bar in the Printworks, with axe throwing (£45 – £80), shuffleboard (£15 – £25), augmented reality darts (£40 per lane), beer/prosecco pong (£30 per table), and even karaoke booths (£6 – £9 per person).

Manchester’s Finest Group


They also do a bottomless brunch at weekends, alongside a street food offering, including halloumi fries, parmesan and truffle mac and cheese bites, chicken tenders, wings, loaded bacon parmesan fries and dirty BBQ loaded fries.

There’s an impressive array of drinks as well, with cocktails like the Basic B*tch, Honey It’s Time To Party, and GOAT Punch, as well as plenty of beer, wine and even big sharers.

Get yourself booked in HERE.

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The Cube Live adds three exciting new games for the perfect team day out

Everything you need for an incredible day out

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Manchester's Finest Group

Urban Playground has taken things to the next level, revealing three brand new games for thrill-seekers to sink their teeth into.

The Manchester Arndale entertainment venue, which is already home to an impressive array of games, has added even more fun to the line up.

From mini golf to arcade games and loads of food and drink, Urban Playground has everything you need for an incredible day out.

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They’ve now added three new games to The Cube Live experience, ahead of the upcoming Christmas party season.

‘Pass’, ‘Exit’ and ‘Locate’ are the three new nail-bitingly tense games, and you’ll recognise them all from TV.

In Pass, two players rapidly weave a foam brick back and forth between free-standing poles, avoiding knocking the poles over as they go – requiring agility and great communication.

Exit sees two players work together manoeuvring a ball out of a maze testing their patience to the max.

Manchester’s Finest Group

Lastly, Locate is a single player game where players must memorise an illuminated white square’s location, before placing a block on it while blindfolded.

They’re all deceptively straightforward, while also fiendishly addictive, and perfect for a team day out.

Get booked in HERE to try the new games for yourself.

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