Reopening Europe: Live Nation Promotes 500-Cap Gigs In The Nordics

Live Nation will stage concerts for up to 500 people in Finland and Denmark. The Danish festival Aarhus Festival is also going ahead in a reduced capacity.

Since Monday, June 1, Covid-related restrictions in Finland have been eased, there’s still a 500 capacity limit on public gatherings until July 31. 

Live Nation Finland will host the Suvilahti Summer series of events, including daily concerts and films, at the Suvilahti Energy Field, June 11-30.

Finnish artist Evelina’s will kick things off with a concert on opening night, after which a diverse range of events from Midsummer festivities to brunch concerts, from karaoke to movie screenings, will take place. 

Other Finnish artists, who’ll perform at Suvilahti Summer include Anssi Kela, Olavi Uusivirta Duo, Maustetytöt, Jesse Markin, Ursus Factory, Dallapé and Martti Servo & Napander.

Current official safety guidelines demand a table and chair setup for two to six people safely distanced from each other.

Live Nation Finland is promoting the Suvilahti Summer with Suvilahti TBA, the creator and producer of the event series, in cooperation with the City of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Live Nation Finland MD Tomi Saarinen commented: “It is great to be back with events in such a unique way, after a short break. This event series is a good example of how a crisis can lead to innovation. We believe that these upcoming summer moments in Helsinki´s finest setting will create memories that last. The artists and we at Live Nation are very excited, and we believe that the audience will join us in this excitement.”

Mikko Vehmas, CEO of Suvilahti TBA, added: “We were supposed to launch  Suvilahti Winefest with Live Nation in May, but unfortunately have had to postpone it to 2021. After giving it some thought, we wondered if we could arrange something special together, during the crisis, and bring joy to people. And here we are! It has been great to realize that even during the difficult times we can create great things together.” 

According to a statement by Live Nation Finland, “The safety of the public, performers and staff is very important to us, and we will follow current safety guidelines to ensure a safe event experience. 

“We will follow social distancing rules and use adjusted PA systems for noise control. 

“The public will be guided and asked to follow hygiene guidelines. Anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms is forbidden from entering the site. According to official guidelines, those at risk are advised to avoid public events.”

Events for up to 500 people are also possible again in Denmark, where Live Nation will be promoting a concert by one of the country’s biggest rock acts Steen Jørgensen.

Jørgensen will perform at the DR Concert Hall on Friday, June 26. He will perform an intimate set with guitarist Rune Kjeldsen, matching the intimate feel of a 500-cap gig.

The Concert Hall will be “carefully arranged according to the authorities’ instructions with a focus on proper distance and safety,” the announcement states.

With the opening concerts not taking place, the focus shifted to art and architecture. Many small events, including concerts, will be limited to between 10 and 30 people.

The senate in Berlin, Germany, has decided to allow outdoor events with up to 500 people from June 16. The capacity will be increased to 1,000 from June 30. Promoters and venue operators have been given no guidelines for indoor events, yet.

Berlin’s famous underground club scene, which is severely threatened by the restrictions imposed by the government, has been sharing best practices on how to best use their limited outdoor spaces to generate at least some business.