The summer of 2020 will be completely different than it used to be. Due to the measures to prevent the spread of the corona virus, festivals or major events are not allowed. And yet, after a long period of lockdown, everyone has a desire to fly back in and a need for social contact and experience. Arena Events from Ghent makes it possible to see the top of the Flemish music scene at work. From July 10 to August 7 it organizes a series of 50 'corona proof' summer concerts in the Ghelamco Arena in Ghent. Arena Events, like the entire event sector, has been affected by the corona crisis. Michiel Vanderheyden: "We didn't want to give up. We thought thoroughly about how to send a positive signal. After the last security council, where the government allowed cultural performances for up to 200 people, we worked hard to create a new form of concert experience. Within the Ghelamco Arena and with our extensive event experience, we have developed a concept that makes this possible in the safest circumstances. " An exciting program with top Flemish artists When Arena Events presented the idea to the Flemish artists, there was immediate enthusiasm. After all, they were also forced to stop their activities and put away their plans for the summer. Peter Vanlaet (Mama's Jasje): “Ultimately, this is what I had secretly hoped for. A summer full of music! We see each other again, albeit in smaller numbers, both on and around the stage. Unplugged, but no less fun. ” "What a wonderful feeling knowing that after a long time I will be back on stage with my musicians", Belle Perez also admits. "It promises to be a special night!" Artists, booking agencies and the organizers of Arena Events joined forces. The result will be an exciting program with 50 live concerts, every day from July 10 to August 7. For example, it has already been established that Flemish toppers such as The Starlings, Paul Michiels, Mama's Jasje, Guy Swinnen, Sioen, Lady Linn, Belle Perez, Bent Van Looy and Stan Van Samang will play a concert in the Ghelamco Arena between 10 and 26 July. More details about the details of the concert agenda for the period from July 27 to August 7 will follow. A completely safe setting The Arena Summer Concerts are a double first: they are the first live concerts in Flanders since the lockdown and it is also the very first time that concerts are organized in the Ghent football temple. Michiel Vanderheyden of Arena Events: “The Ghelamco Arena meets all the conditions for the safe organization of these concerts. We have all the space and possibilities to create a corona-proof setting for the 200 spectators that we are allowed to admit per concert. We want to show that corona measures and an atmospheric concert experience can be perfectly reconciled. ” Specifically, the audience in the covered grandstand will be divided into bubbles of 1 to 4 people, with one and a half meters of social distancing between each bubble. The seats are marked with green stickers and the public is guided by safety hosts from arrival to seating. All guests are asked to remain seated during the concert to ensure safety. The covered stage will be built above the dug-out where the football players normally take place. Atmospheric lighting creates an intimate atmosphere. The fact that the artists play in a limited setting or acoustic setup will also contribute to the experience. “A whole series of extra security measures have been taken in the stadium,” explains Barbare Stevens of Arena Events. “The arrival is spread over different entrances, so that there are no bottlenecks. We have an adapted ventilation system to disinfect the air on the promenade where the check-in of the concertgoers is handled contactlessly. There is one-way traffic in the stadium and hand gel is widely available. The sanitary facilities are regularly cleaned before and after, but also during the event. And all seats are disinfected before a new concert can start. ” Book online only, possibly 2 concerts per day. Ticket sales for the concerts start today, Friday 19 June, via www.arenaconcerten.be . From July 10 to August 7 there will be a concert at 9 pm daily. If the concert is sold out, there will be a second concert at 6 pm. On Sundays, matinee shows are also scheduled at 11am. Tickets cost between 23 and 30 euros (excluding reservation costs). The reservation of the tickets is done completely online. Catering is also available (boxes of drinks and snacks tailored to children and adults), which are pre-ordered online. This limits handling and the risk of contamination. The online ticketing also makes it possible to provide tracing afterwards, if necessary, and to contact those present. Radio 2 reports. One of the partners for the Arena Summer Concerts is Radio 2. Net head Rino Ver Eecke: “Support for Flemish artists is in the DNA of Radio 2. So even when the circumstances are bad. For example, tens of thousands of Flemish people enjoyed artists who gave a live concert from their living room in the Radio 2 app. And we launched 'Radio 2 Bene Bene', the music stream on which you can hear our artists 24 hours a day. It therefore feels like a logical step to go along with the story of the Arena Summer Concerts where real live experience becomes possible again, in a safe environment. Showbiz Bart will report regularly for Radio 2. ”
