BRIT Awards 2021 will be first major indoor music event to host a live audience

The BRIT Awards 2021, which will take place at London's O2 Arena on 11 May, has been confirmed as the first large-scale indoor music event that will host a live audience.

4,000 people will be allowed to attend this year's ceremony as part of the UK government’s scientific Events Research Programme, a series of event tests to examine how events can take place without social distancing following the coronavirus pandemic.

Half of those tickets for the BRIT Awards 2021 will be gifted to frontline workers (who can bring a guest of their choice) by record labels and the recorded music industry via a ballot.

The ballot for BRITs tickets specifically for key workers will launch via brits.co.uk at midday today (22 April). All applicants must consent to taking part in the government’s Events Research Programme.

Attendees will need to follow government guidelines while travelling to and from the O2 Arena, but once inside the venue, there will be no social distancing or requirements to wear face coverings. Upon entry, attendees will need to present proof of a negative lateral flow test, and will be required to take a test after the ceremony for evidence as part of the Events Research Programme.

Dua Lipa, one of the performers at this year's event, 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."

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI & BRIT Awards added, "This year’s BRIT Awards with Mastercard is one of the most significant in the show’s history. Not only will we be celebrating the brilliant music and artists that have helped us through the pandemic, but we hope it will provide a path for the return of live music that fans and artists have so sorely missed. And as a thank you to the key workers who have kept our country going through the difficult times, we are inviting them to be our audience for the first live performances at The O2 in over a year. We’re buzzing about the show and working closely with Government, The O2 and all our partners to ensure all safety measures and guidelines are adhered to."