Live events are back again, just keep your handbrake on

IT will be very different from a normal trip to the theatre – but at least you will have no problem finding your seat.

Drive-in events such as comedy nights, theatre productions and even bingo can take place in Scotland from today.

It comes a week after drive-in cinemas were allowed to begin screening films. There is still no confirmed date for the restart of other live events.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ‘The ideas coming forward from our events and festivals sector are both a sensible way to deliver live events and demonstrate that innovation thrives in adversity.

‘The risk of Covid-19 spreading in environments such as live events means, sadly, the format as we know it may have to adapt for some time to come.

‘Drive-in live events signal that innovative approaches can provide a first step towards recovery and can be the needed lifeline for our events sector during this time.’

Anyone staging a drive-in event would have to follow strict guidance, such as noting details of customers, ensuring only one extended household per car is in attendance and having vehicles placed at least three metres from each other.

Among the sites earmarked for drive-in events is 17th century stately home Hopetoun House in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh.

It could accommodate 300 vehicles and stage events similar to the drive-in raves in that have been held in countries such as Germany and Denmark.