Newcastle's Virgin Money Unity Arena forced to cancel final shows due to local lockdown

The Virgin Money Unity Arena was the UK's first socially distant outdoor venue to open following the coronavirus lockdown, and is situated at the Newcastle Racecourse in Gosforth Park.

Local hero Sam Fender opened the gig series last month, and other artists including Two Door Cinema Club, Supergrass, Tom Grennan, The Libertines, Jason Manford, Bill Bailey, Maxïmo Park and more have also performed.

Today (17 September), event organisers SSD Concerts have announced that the final shows at Newcastle's Virgin Money Unity Arena will no longer take place. The announcement comes after the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock set out new temporary local lockdown rules for the North East in response to "concerning rates of infection" in the area. The local lockdown will spread across seven council areas, including Newcastle, Sunderland, South Tyneside and Gateshead.

Performances from Kaiser Chiefs, Declan McKenna and Jack Savoretti that were due to take place at the venue this weekend have been cancelled.

Event organiser Steve Davis said, "It is extremely disappointing to have to cancel these final shows at the end of what has been an incredible six week run of successfully socially-distanced concerts. We're honoured to have been able to provide a little happiness and joy to thousands of music and comedy fans throughout the region and the UK in what has been such a tough 2020 for everyone."

He added, "We have complied with all government guidance to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our audience, artists and crew throughout. We’d like to thank all who attended these genuinely heart warming and uplifting events. For the last six weeks, Newcastle has been the leading light for the live music industry and for that, we should all be very proud. Unfortunately, due to the rise of infection in the North East, we must comply with the council’s and the government’s latest advice. This should not take away from the fact that the people of the North East and from all over the world have embraced this pioneering run of shows."

Thank you Newcastle, see you for one last dance tonight. @BongosBingo @KaiserChiefs @DeclanMcKenna pic.twitter.com/YaBepQa9J7

— Virgin Money Unity Arena (@VMUnityArena) September 17, 2020