Brit Awards to include maskless crowd of 4,000 as part of government event pilot scheme

A total of 2,500 tickets will be given to key workers in the Greater London area

The Brit Awards will include a non-socially distanced audience as part of the government’s live events pilot scheme.

On Thursday (22 April), it was announced that the annual award ceremony would once again have a live audience at the O2 Arena this year, with 4,000 tickets up for grabs.

Audience members for the 11 May event will be able to watch the night’s biggest awards and see performances from Dua Lipa, Griff, Arlo Parks and Headie One, all without social distancing or a requirement to wear a mask once seated.

In order to be given entry to the event, attendees will have to take a lateral flow coronavirus test, with entry only being given if it comes back negative.

Of the 4,000 tickets, 2,500 will be gifted to key workers in the Greater London area to thank them for their work during “difficult times”.

Speaking about the decision, Lipa – who is nominated for three awards including Best Album – 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.”

The Brit Awards are one in a number of events taking place as part of the government’s events research programme, which is looking at how events can safely restart this summer.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Blossoms would be performing at a 5,000 person concert in Liverpool in May as part of the scheme.