Live events may seem like a thing of the past after the events of the last 14 months. However, a pilot scheme that has been put into place by the government to restart live events has seen thousands of people head to London for the 2021 BRIT Awards. This number includes many of the big stars receiving or giving awards and those performing at the event.
There will be around 4,000 audience members at the event, with no social distancing or face masks necessary. While the 4,000-strong audience will only make up around one-fifth of the venue’s capacity, it will be the first major indoor live event with such huge crowds in over a year. Around half of those attending the event are Greater London keyworkers and their guests.
Those heading to this milestone event will be able to enjoy a range of exciting performances as well as see which nominees pick up the awards. The event will kick off with an outdoor performance by Coldplay, but there are many performers lined up to get on stage inside the venue, including Dua Lipa, Headie One, and Arlo Parks.
As this is the first major live indoor event to be held in such a long time, both attendees and even the stars are understandably nervous. One of the stars performing, Rag 'n' Bone man, said that performing after such a long time would be emotional. He said, "I'm not sure that I'm completely mentally prepared for it, but I'll give it my all."
The nominations for awards for 2021 include Dua Lipa, Little Mix, Celeste, and Jessie Ware. Many have commented on the diversity of the nominations for this year. In addition, Taylor Swift will receive a Global Icon award at the event, which will make her the first non-Brit to receive this award. She will also be only the fourth person ever to receive the award, with past recipients including Elton John, David Bowie, and Robbie Williams.
An extra-special event
Events like the BRITs are always special to those in attendance as well as to performers and nominees. However, this year's event will be particularly notable because it could mark the start of the reopening of major live events after an unprecedented year of social distancing and event cancellations.
Those who want to watch the BRITs 2021 from the comfort of their own home can do so from 8pm on ITV. The event will also be broadcast on the official BRITs YouTube channel, enabling audiences worldwide to watch.
