Van Morrison, Ronan Keating and Two Door Cinema Club to play socially distanced gigs at Virgin Money Arena

Van Morrison, Two Door Cinema Club, and Ronan Keating are just three of the acts on an exciting new line up of socially distanced summer gigs, at the Virgin Money Unity Arena – the UK's first socially-distanced venue.

Set to open in the Newcastle Racecourse in August, the venue has revealed two months of concerts planned, allowing music fans from across the North East to enjoy music for the first time since the Coronavirus pandemic broke out.

There will be something for everyone, as the venue has mixed music and comedy: among the confirmed acts will be Van Morrison, Jimmy Carr, The Libertines, Bill Bailey, and Ronan Keating.

“We've been blown away by the response we've had regarding Virgin Money Unity Arena throughout the world. We're proud to be hosting an event with this kind of vision and reach on Tyneside," says festival organiser Steve Davis.

“With all eyes on the North East this summer, we hope this second announcement has everyone excited.

"To have acts of the calibre of Van Morrison and Jimmy Carr is amazing. And with more exciting announcements on the way, the UK's first socially distanced live arena is set to provide the very best in live music, comedy and family fun this summer.”

Helen Page, the Virgin Money Group Brand and Marketing Director, said: “This innovative and completely unique outdoor programme aims to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans. We’re thrilled to announce more fantastic talent are joining the impressive line-up of both musicians and comedians, including one of the all-time greats Van Morrison, and are looking forward to getting the events under way next month.”

Fans will be able to pre-order food and drinks, and there will be a one-way system in place to allow for safe use of the toilet facilities.

You can purchase tickets for all the gigs via the Virgin Money website.

Virgin Money Unity Arena just got even BIGGER! 💥
11 HUGE new shows announced with more to come soon! 🔊 Tickets on sale Wednesday 29th July 10am. ⏰
👉🎟️ https://t.co/1LFzeq9aUd 🎟️ pic.twitter.com/yTJwm7DUsn

— Virgin Money Unity Arena (@VMUnityArena) July 27, 2020

Take a look at the full dates below.

August
15 – Two Door Cinema Club
16 – The Bootleg Beatles (afternoon show)
16 – Adam Kay (evening show)
19 – Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
22 – Supergrass
23 – Love at the Musicals feat. Collabro, Joe McElderry & Sophie Evans
26 – Elvana
27 – Tom Grennan
28 – Klub Kids: Summer Mania
29 – The Libertines (afternoon and evening)
30 – Bongo’s Bingo (afternoon show)
30 – Jason Manford
31 – Jimmy Carr

September
1-2 – Bill Bailey
3 – Van Morrison
5 – Maximo Park
9 – Craig Charles (*please note this date has changed from Friday 14th August)
10 – Alfie Boe
11 – Ronan Keating
12 – Bongo’s Bingo
13 – Becky Hill