Music Venue Trust Take A Test

Music Venue Trust launches Take a Test campaign to reboot live gigs

Music Venue Trust (MVT) is urging UK music fans to get tested for Covid ahead of attending gigs.

The #TakeATest initiative has been launched to coincide with the UK Government’s lifting of most Covid restrictions in England on 19 July, which enables music venues to reopen. While some venues have been able to operate at reduced capacity under strict safety conditions, the vast majority of venues have been out of action for the past 16 months. 

MVT, which represents hundreds of grassroots music venues, is encouraging music fans to take voluntary lateral flow tests before attending gigs in order to keep their fellow gig-goers, staff and musicians safe.

Free lateral flow tests can be ordered online and are also available from local pharmacies.

MVT hopes that venues, artists and fans will help to spread the word using the campaign’s #TakeATest hashtag.

“We have spoken at length to our community about reopening venues safely as restrictions are lifted, and whilst there are differing opinions on some aspects of how we will achieve this there is a consensus about asking music fans to accept personal responsibility to keep themselves and others safe,” said Music Venue Trust CEO Mark Dayvd. 

“We have an opportunity through this strong, unified #takeatest messaging across the live music sector to persuade audiences to accept that responsibility and to take a lateral flow test before attending. This is a voluntary initiative that speaks to the sense of community across the grassroots live music sector. We are confident that live music fans will respond positively to this direct appeal from venues, promoters, artists and their fellow gig-goers.”

Previously, live events such as the Download Pilot festival were used as part of a UK Government pilot scheme aimed at supporting the safe return of live music, partly through the use of Covid tests for fans.

Advertise on Audio Media International from £495/$700 per month and start your campaign in 24 hours…