Live Nation launches socially-distanced drive-in gig series
Acts will perform to about 300 cars at each show.
Dizzee Rascal, Kaiser Chiefs, Gary Numan and Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley will perform during a series of socially-distanced drive-in music concerts this summer.
The programme will visit 12 venues, such as stadiums, racecourses and airports, across the UK between July and September, in cities and towns including London, Liverpool, Bristol and Edinburgh.
Acts will perform to about 300 cars at each show, backed by concert-quality sound with a full lighting rig and LED screens.
The event will be among the first of its kind in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic, as venues both large and small remain shuttered.
There will also be performances from Beverley Knight, Brainiac, Bjorn Again, The Brand New Heavies, Cream Classical Ibiza, Embrace, Jack Savoretti, The Lightning Seeds, Nathan Dawe, Reggae Roast Vs Gentleman’s Dub Club, Russell Watson, Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason, Sigala, The Streets, The Snuts and Skindred.
Utilita Live From The Drive-In comes from promoter Live Nation and Utilita Energy and follows a spike in the popularity of drive-in cinemas around the world, where social-distancing is guaranteed.
Each drive-in event will comply with Government rules on social-distancing, with audience members given a designated area around their cars within which they can stand and sit.
The programme will also feature West End theatre, interactive science shows, DJs and family events.
It will also visit Cheltenham Racecourse, Newmarket Racecourse, Leeds East Airport and the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham.
There will be morning, afternoon, early evening and late evening performances, depending on the artist and productions.
Singer-songwriter Savoretti said: “I can’t wait to get back out on stage. I have always romanticised about the drive-in culture and hope to bring some of that romance to these drive-in shows.”
Live Nation promoter Peter Taylor said: “We are excited to bring Utilita Live From The Drive-In to fans across the UK
“This outdoor concert series was created as a way to reimagine the live music experience during a time of social distancing by allowing fans to enjoy concerts in the safest way possible.
“Each event will comply with all official Government guidelines in order to protect fans, artists, crews and staff.
“We look forward to announcing some of the biggest names across UK music and bringing these fantastic artists to a city near you.”
Utilita’s chief marketing officer Jem Maidment said: “As we find new ways to navigate today’s world of social distancing, we believe the drive-in format is a thoughtful and fun way to safely bring one million Brits out of ‘entertainment lockdown’ this summer 2020.
“Utilita is committed to supporting cultural experiences, while underscoring our promise to giving back to our customers.
“Whether it’s sponsoring exceptional world class experiences, offering exclusive giveaways or putting control and decision-making back in the hands of consumers, we want to empower people to get the best out of their relationship with us.”
Tickets for Utilita Live From The Drive-In events will be available from 8am on Monday June 22 at LiveNation.co.uk.
