A Lancashire venue will host the UK's "first socially-distanced" outdoor festival this summer, creating 100 temporary jobs in the process.
Gisburne Park Estate will host the eight-week Gisburne Park Pop-up Festival across its 10-acre site, and hopes to welcome 24,000 guests from across the UK.
The festival in Clitheroe will see movie nights, live entertainment and performances from DJs such as The Shapeshifters, Jonas Blue and Sam Divine.
Having pivoted its business operations, the wedding venue will operate "first-of-its kind" practices to ensure social-distancing is maintained throughout the grounds.
That will include hexagon pitches each large enough for a social bubble of six and spaced 2.6m apart, one-way systems and bar-to-pitch service - eliminating the need for queues.
Gisburne Park Estate owner, Guy Hindley, developed the concept for the festival after the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown led to the cancellation of weddings in keeping with the Government guidelines.
He partnered with event and hospitality professionals, Robyn Isherwood and Joe Worthington to develop an eight week-programme of music, entertainment, food, drink and boutique glamping.
Mr Isherwood said: “Having worked in events for a number of years, seeing the impact of Covid-19 on the industry has been truly devastating.
"With the Gisburne Park Pop-Up festival, we’re excited to be at the forefront of kickstarting the return of outdoor festivals and our ambition is to deliver a unique, safe experience for people to enjoy in the open air to reclaim their British summer.
“Our guests’ health and safety is our number one priority. We’ve ensured everyone can relax and enjoy the experience, safe in the knowledge that the strictest social distancing and hygiene measures are in place for all customers, staff and entertainers.”
It will be sponsored by Moët Chandon, Peroni and HUN wines, providing a "welcome boost" for the region’s hospitality and cultural events industries - two of the worst-hit sectors.
The festival will take place between July 11 and August 30.
