Frank Turner among new additions to UK’s socially distanced Virgin Money Unity Arena

Frank Turner is among the new additions to the Virgin Money Unity Arena.

Jack Savoretti and The Lighthouse Family have also signed up to perform at Newcastle Racecourse in September, where the UK’s first socially distanced concerts are being held to a capacity of 2,500 people kept apart on 500 separate viewing platforms.

It was launched earlier this month by hometown boy Sam Fender, who had certainly been looking forward to the landmark event; “Absolutely buzzing for this, getting the band and crew back together for probably our only gig of the year,” he’d said.

“Apparently this is the first socially distanced show of its kind and it’s amazing to see the north east leading the way, it’s huge for the area. There’s a few hundred platforms with five people on each. Grab a few mates and let’s have a platform party! We’re going to play a couple of brand new tunes too.”