A pilot music festival took place in Dublin today as part of efforts to test the safe return to large events, where antigen testing was used for entry.
More than 3,500 people were allowed into the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, in pods of up to six people for the event, which was being hosted by the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
It featured Irish artists Gavin James, Denise Chaila, Wild Youth, Sharon Shannon, Lyra, and Wyvern Lingo, playing full sets over the course of eight hours.
The festival is the fourth in a series of pilot events supported by the Department of Tourism, Arts and Culture to bring live music back to Irish audiences.
Garda Air Support unit took some aerial photography yesterday during the set up for the Pilot Concert in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham today. #StaySafeStayHealthy #WashYourHands pic.twitter.com/fv3wEHSpvM
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) July 3, 2021
It is the first trial at which antigen testing was required for entry.
A negative test result was a requirement for all in attendance, even if fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
These tests were carried out by health specialists at a dedicated site at Collins Barracks prior to the event, which people were required to attend between either 4-9pm yesterday, or 8-4pm today.
If a ticket holder received a positive antigen test result, they were unable to attend, and would be entitled to a full ticket refund from place of purchase.
The over-18s event saw patrons required to maintain a minimum of two metres social distancing, and wear a face covering when moving about outside of their ticketed pods.
Read more: Dublin festival acts sound note of optimism about return of gigs
A one-way system was in operation, and all in attendance were required to have their smartphone switched on and the Covid tracker app installed to facilitate contact tracing.
Bars were open to serve alcohol from 5pm until 9.15pm.
People were urged to allow for an extra hour when planning their journey, due to the additional Covid-19 measures.
It comes as the vaccine roll-out is to be accelerated for younger people, with pharmacies to begin administering the Janssen vaccine from Monday for those aged 18-34.
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