Rapid antigen testing will be required for IMMA pilot gig next month

It's the first festival in 15 months.

Rapid antigen testing is set to be a big factor in the run up to the IMMA pilot gig next month. With 3,500 people heading to the one metre socially distanced concert taking place at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, organisers are saying that rapid antigen testing will be needed. For the first festival being held in over 15 months, concert goers will be asked to take a rapid antigen test before going, as a requirement upon entry. Gavin James, Denise Chaila, Sharon Shannon and Lyra are just a few of the acts set to perform full sets at the festival, along with The 2 Johnnies set to host the night. Taking place on July 3rd, tickets for the gig are available on Ticketmaster for €39.50 and are going on sale Friday June 25th at 9am. And like the last pilot gig, they can be bought in pods of 4 or six people, but you must be over 18. Speaking at the announcement, Minister for Tourism, Sports, Arts, Culture and Media Catherine Martin said: "These pilot events are critical on the road to reopening live entertainment and will help the Government to plan for the safe management of events whilst Covid is still circulating in our communities and build confidence in the guidance and event management protocols developed to keep everyone safe". "To that end, social distancing will be reduced to one metre; and I am now also introducing rapid testing for concert goers and staff." "The purpose of these events is to build the road back to the safe and full recovery of live performances and sporting events and establish confidence in the guidance and event management protocols developed for the sector. The use of antigen tests is to help consider the logistics of them as a means of gaining entry to live events as the sector reopens."