O2 to host test reopening event with 20% capacity

The 2021 BRIT Awards ceremony will host a live audience of 4,000 at London’s O2 indoor arena. 

This latest addition to the Government’s Events Research Programme will assess how venues can restart large events and welcome crowds back safely this summer.

All attendees must have proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the O2, which has been closed for more than a year. They will be asked to take a test after the event and must provide contact details for NHS Test and Trace.

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Audience members will not be socially distanced or required to wear masks but the 20,000 person venue will be kept at 20% capacity. 

The pilot events are exploring different approaches to social distancing, ventilation and testing. The evidence gathered will be used to inform policy on “the phased return of fuller audiences”, but there is no suggestion a return to capacity audiences is under investigation.