Sam Fender

Virgin Money Unity Arena, Newcastle Racecourse ★★★★★

There are two ways to put on a pop concert during a pandemic. The American way is to go into denial and hope that not too many spectators die. The British way is to make it work with masks, hand sanitiser and social distancing. Can it still be a proper gig? The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind at Newcastle Racecourse.

Over the next month, stars from Supergrass to Van Morrison will play here to crowds of 2,500. You book a platform for six, like a box at the theatre crossed with a cattle pen (below). First up are two sold-out shows from Sam Fender (top), the singer-songwriter from North Shields known as the Geordie Springsteen. When he played the Manchester Academy last winter, you could feel the excitement. Here there are a few whoops. The fans are too far apart to infect each other with enthusiasm. Most of the elements of outdoor gigs are in place, from ponchos to portaloos. There are lasers too, though the fireworks are on the small side, and Fender gets an atmosphere going in the end. The real Springsteen would approve.