LIVE MUSIC INDUSTRY IN THE U.K. SOLDIERS ON

Two big gigs in the U.K. will still take place this weekend, albeit with extra security measures, despite the devastating terror attack during Ariana Grande’s show in Manchester on Monday. The Courteneers will play a sold out show at Manchester's Emirates Old Trafford stadium on Saturday to 20k fans, while BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend will welcome 50k ticket-holders to Hull across Saturday and Sunday.

The U.K.’s terror level has been raised to critical—the first time that’s happened since 2007. As a result, up to 5k armed troops are being placed at strategic sites countrywide.

Those attending the Courteneers show are being advised to allow extra time for travel and additional security checks at the stadium—everyone entering the venue will be searched, and people are being asked to not bring bags with them. A statement from the venue reads: “We are working closely with the police over the coming days, and the event will be appropriately resourced.”

Everyone that enters the Hull site will go through two rounds of thorough searches. One round will be conducted at transport hubs where police will be present, and a second round of security procedures at the entrance gates.

Some shows have been postponed and do not have new dates yet: Blondie’s Amazon Prime Show in London, and Take That’s Liverpool Echo Arena and Manchester Arena dates. While concerts have taken place this week, many have had lower attendance than expected. It remains to be seen how many ticket holders for the Courteneers and BBC shows will choose to stay home this weekend.

Questions are being raised in the live community about how far security measures should go. There are also concerns over the high costs of implementing extra measures while battling rising insurance premiums. In more positive news, a petition to raise £2m for the families of those killed and injured in the Manchester attack has hit over £1.3m. You can donate here.