Watch: M&S Bank Arena creates virtual visitor tour to show Covid-secure measures

The M&S Bank Arena has created a virtual visitor tour to show customers the measures it has put in place to ensure it is covid-secure as it prepares to host its first events since before lockdown.

The flythrough highlights what visitors can expect when they arrive at December events at the arena and its sister venue The Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena. 

These include Hot Water Comedy Club, The Classic Rock Show Christmas Party, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac and Jack and the Beanstalk.

The new covid secure measures put in place across the venues have been introduced in line with the government approved ‘All Secure Standard’ and as part of a series of accreditations received by the venue including VisitEngland’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard for tourism and hospitality.

Measures include designated entrances; track and trace QR codes, socially distanced queuing, bathrooms and seating; one-way systems; hand sanitisers and anti-viral electrostatic spraying machines to enhance hygiene standards throughout the venue, including seating areas.

Customers are asked to wear face coverings at all times – including when walking to and from their seats – except when eating or drinking.  Food and drink will be available to purchase online for click and collect or in-seat options and provided in covid secure food and drink packaging.

Security remains of the utmost importance and, as checks will need to be carried out at a safe distance, the venue is operating a no bag policy.  Customers are asked to not bring bags with them, however if a bag is absolutely necessary it must be clear and only one is permitted per person.

Kerry Mulloy, director of events and operations, said:

“It’s been a challenging year for the live events industry and our thoughts go out to those who have not been able to work or venues which have been unable to host any events during this time.

“We really want to get back to doing what we do best – hosting great events for our customers.  Our teams have been busy working behind the scenes so that we are ready to offer a safe environment for all visitors.

“These measures may not be what our guests are used to – for example asking people to not bring a bag or if absolutely necessary then only a clear plastic bag to allow for contact-free security checks – but we have put these stringent measures in place so that we can keep everyone safe and ensure a covid secure environment.  We ask that our visitors support us so that we are able to open our doors and provide entertainment which we have all missed so much since March.

“We want to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible when they visit us and the virtual tours we have created highlights the important changes we have made in line with a number of government and industry-approved accreditations so that visitors know exactly what to expect.

“We are really excited to welcome customers back to enjoy fantastic events and to help bring people back into the city centre to enjoy everything Liverpool has to offer this Christmas.”

Promoter James Shone is looking forward to bringing Jack and the Beanstalk to The Auditorium at M&S Bank Arena from December 18 – 27.

He said:

“This has been a challenging time for everyone and many people have really missed live entertainment.

“This year it is more important than ever that we try to celebrate Christmas as much as we can and panto is a highlight of the festive season for many people.  We hope that visitors will feel comfortable to attend what may be their first live event in a long time and that we can provide some enjoyment during this difficult time.”

Chas Cole, promoter of The Classic Rock Show ‘Christmas Party’ and Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, added:

“We are enormously excited to be bringing live music back to the M&S Bank Arena in the run up to Christmas.

“We didn’t expect to be back on stage so soon and appreciate all the hard work put in by the team at the arena to ensure the venue will be fully covid-secure for when fans return.”

As Liverpool has been placed in tier two, socially distanced indoor performances for up to 1,000 people are permitted to take place.

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The M&S Bank Arena has also introduced a ‘Book with Confidence’ promise to customers to guarantee refunds if events are cancelled or rescheduled due to coronavirus. For more information, click here.

Customers are reminded not to attend an event or arrive at the venue if they are experiencing any covid symptoms such as a high temperature; new continuous cough; loss or change to sense of smell or taste or are required to self-isolate under current public health guidance.

For event information and tickets, click here.