The 2021 BRIT Awards marked the long-awaited return of live music on Tuesday night in a very different ceremony to 2020 as it made several changes to adhere to the coronavirus pandemic.
With a limited audience of 4,500, some pre-recorded performances and rigorous Covid testing, the first major indoor music event was a stark contrast to last year’s ceremony, which took place on 18 February – just weeks before the UK entered its first national lockdown on 23 March.
This year’s indoor ceremony and live show formed part of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme, and will use enhanced testing approaches to examine how events can take place without the need for social distancing after all restrictions are lifted on June 21.
Here MailOnline takes a look at how the BRIT Awards 2021 has returned and the changes in place to allow the long-awaited return of live music from the 2020 ceremony…
It’s back! The 2021 BRIT Awards marked the long-awaited return of live music on Tuesday night in a very different ceremony to 2020 as it made several changes to adhere to the coronavirus pandemic (Taylor Swift pictured at a socially-distanced table)
Now and then: With a limited audience of 4,500, some pre-recorded performances and rigorous Covid testing, the first major indoor music event was a stark contrast to last year’s ceremony, which took place on 18 February – just weeks before the UK entered its first national lockdown on 23 March (Harry Styles, left on Tuesday, and pictured, right, at the 2020 event)
Limited audience of 4,500 – with 2,500 tickets given to key workers
The 2021 ceremony saw a maximum of 4,500 attendees, just slightly more than one fifth of the venue’s usual 20,000 capacity.
Out of the limited tickets, 2,500 of those were given to key workers based in Greater London in a bid to reduce risk with transport.
Limited audience: The 2021 ceremony saw a maximum of 4,500 attendees, just slightly more than one fifth of the venue’s usual 20,000 capacity (swipe to see host Jack Whitehall at Tuesday’s event, left, compared to 2020, right)
Important: Out of the limited tickets, 2,500 of those were given to key workers based in Greater London in a bid to reduce risk with transport
Spaced out: Tables for celebrities inside the venue were spaced out with clear social distances between all the stars
Pre-recorded and remote performances
Despite a number of stars still performing live music, the 2021 ceremony saw the likes of Coldplay, Elton John and The Weeknd pre-record their sets.
While P!nk joined the event remotely from the US as she gave a powerful rendition of her new single Anywhere Away From Here with Rag’n’Bone Man, who attended the ceremony in London.
Now and then: The International Female Artist award was presented to Billie Eilish, who lamented being unable to attend the occasion after her stellar performance of No Time To Die at last year’s ceremony (slide to see Billie pictured remotely on Tuesday, left, compared to her performance in 2020, right)
Pre-recorded: Despite a number of stars still performing live music, the 2021 ceremony saw the likes of Coldplay, pictured, Elton John and The Weeknd pre-record their sets
Performance: Also taking to the stage on the night in a pre-recorded performance were Elton John and Years & Years’ Olly Alexander, who teamed up to perform the Pet Shop Boys classic It’s A Sin
Coldplay kicked off the show with an incredible pre-recorded performance on the River Thames of their single Higher Power from a barge in front of the O2. It was filmed outside the venue last month.
Also taking to the stage on the night in a pre-recorded performance were Elton John and Years & Years’ Olly Alexander, who teamed up to perform the Pet Shop Boys classic It’s A Sin.
The Weeknd, who won the International Male Solo Artist award presented by the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, treated fans to a performance of his single Save Your Tears, pre-recorded from the US.
Virtual performance: The Weeknd, who won the International Male Solo Artist award presented by the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, treated fans to a performance of his single Save Your Tears, pre-recorded from the US
US performers having to quarantine or unable to attend in person
The International Female Artist award was presented to Billie Eilish, who lamented being unable to attend the occasion after her stellar performance of No Time To Die at last year’s ceremony.
International Group was given to Haim, who attended the ceremony in person after spending 10 days in quarantine to accept their award.
Dedication: International Group was given to Haim, who attended the ceremony in person after spending 10 days in quarantine to accept their award
Rigorous Covid testing
Among the rules at the 2021 event, attendees had to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue.
The test had to have been taken at an asymptomatic testing site within 36 hours of the ceremony.
Cautious: Among the rules at the 2021 event, attendees had to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue – upon arrival at the venue, all attendees were asked to take a PCR test
Upon arrival at the venue, all attendees were asked to take a PCR test, and will also take another test five days after the ceremony.
It is hoped this will gather further evidence on the safety of indoor settings, reduced social distancing and the removal of non-pharmaceutical interventions like face coverings.
Socially distanced queues and masks worn in communal areas
Attendees were asked to adhere to social distancing rules in the queuing areas outside the O2 arena but once inside the venue, social distancing was not required.
Event goers were also asked to wear face masks in communal areas, such as the concourse and toilets, although this was not mandatory once guests were seated.
Setting up: Event goers were also asked to wear face masks in communal areas, such as the concourse and toilets, although this was not mandatory once guests were seated
Inside: Attendees were asked to adhere to social distancing rules in the queuing areas outside the O2 arena but once inside the venue, social distancing was not required – although the celebrities’ tables appeared to be spaced out
Delayed date: One of the biggest changes of the 2021 ceremony was the delayed date with the event taking place three months later in May compared to the BRITs typical February schedule (Dua pictured left and Taylor right)
Delayed date
One of the biggest changes of the 2021 ceremony was the delayed date with the event taking place three months later in May compared to the BRITs typical February schedule.
A look at the BRIT Awards 2021
The 2021 BRIT Awards marked the long-awaited return of live music on Tuesday night as Dua Lipa paid a moving tribute to the young hero Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, as she accepted the top prize for Best Album.
The Physical hitmaker, who also scooped the award for British Female Solo Artist, dedicated her award to the rescuer known as Jimi, calling for him to be honoured with a Bravery Award after he tragically lost his life while attempting to save a woman who jumped into the River Thames from London Bridge.
Visibly moved by her double honours, Dua also used her acceptance speeches to demand that the audience give Prime Minister Boris Johnson ‘a message’ that frontline staff deserved a pay rise before dedicating her prize to the nurse Dame Elizabeth Anionwu.
Emotional: The 2021 BRIT Awards marked the long-awaited return of live music on Tuesday night as Dua Lipa paid a moving tribute to the young hero Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, as she accepted the top prize for Best Album
The BRIT Awards marked the return of live music to the UK for the first time since the beginning of the Covid pandemic as this year’s nominees took to the stage in front of a limited audience of key workers at London’s O2 Arena.
In what was her second win of the night, Dua was stunned to accept the award for Best Album for Future Nostalgia, and dedicated her second award to young Jimi who died last month.
She said: ‘I want to honour this award also to Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, or Jimi as he’s known by his friends and family, and Joaquin Garcia. Jimi and Joaquin heroically attempted to rescue a woman who’d fallen from London Bridge, and tragically Jimi did not survive.
‘Jimi and Joaquin knowingly put themselves in danger, and they did it without hesitation even though they were a stranger to each other and to the woman they were rescuing. It would be really fitting if their actions were recognised with a bravery award, and I hope this can happen to give Jimi’s family some comfort.
Touching: The Physical hitmaker, who also scooped the award for British Female Solo Artist, dedicated her award to the rescuer known as Jimi, calling for him to be honoured with a Bravery Award
What a moment! In what was her second win of the night, Dua was stunned to accept the award for Best Album for Future Nostalgia, and dedicated her award to young Jimi who died last month
‘This award is for Jimi and Joaquin. Jimi, you have touched the hearts of a whole nation and we will never forget you.’
Upsetting: Jimi tragically lost his life while attempting to save a woman who jumped into the River Thames from London Bridge
Dua certainly proved to be the star of the evening as she took to the stage to kick off the ceremony with a medley of her hits, which began as she made her way to the O2 on the Underground at Charing Cross station.
The hitmaker delivered a medley of her hits Physical, Pretty Please, Hallucinate and Don’t Start Now in a Union Jack inspired ensemble, after channelling Amy Winehouse with her eye-catching look on the red carpet.
It was a night to remember for Dua as she also took to the stage to accept the award for Female Solo Artist, and used the opportunity to share the prize with nurse Dame Elizabeth Anionwu.
She said: ‘This is sick, wow thank you so much, it’s such an honour to be here it’s such an honour to be back on this stage, last time when I was up accepting this award in 2018 I wanted to see more women on these stages, and I’m so proud three years later to be part of this wave of women in music.
‘To my family and friends for all their support I’m so grateful and I feel so so lucky, I think this is such an incredible invite to give another part of your award to someone and I’ve chosen my favourite British female is Dame Elizabeth Anionwu.
‘She has spent her stellar nursing career fighting racial injustice she has spent so much time and is a strong advocate for protecting frontline workers, thank you.
‘She has also sad that there is a massive disparity between love and respect for frontline workers, because we need to clap them but we need to pay them, so I think what we should do is give a massive round of applause and give Boris a message that we all support a pay rise for our frontline!’
Stellar: After scooping the award for British Female Solo Artist, the Physical hitmaker demanded that the audience give Prime Minister Boris Johnson ‘a message’ that frontline staff deserved a pay rise
Important: It was a night to remember for Dua as she also took to the stage to accept the award for Female Solo Artist, and used the opportunity to share the prize with nurse Dame Elizabeth Anionwu
Do it! She said: ‘I think what we should do is give a massive round of applause and give Boris a message that we all support a pay rise for our frontline!’
Here she is! Taylor Swift also made history at the end of the evening as she accepted the Global Icon Award, the first time in history a female artist had been presented with the honour
Taylor Swift also made history at the end of the evening as she accepted the Global Icon Award, the first time in history a female artist had been presented with the honour.
The Fearless singer was praised by many of her fellow stars, including longtime friends Selana Gomez, Ed Sheeran and music legend Annie Lennox for her incredible collection of music.
She said: ‘That video, anyone who was in that video, Selena, Zoe, Ed, Griff and my soul left my body when Annie Lennox appeared. I’m really proud to be part of this musical community, but what we really needed was the help and support of the NHS thank you for everything you’d done for us.
Touched: The Fearless singer was praised by many of her fellow stars, including longtime friends Selana Gomez, Ed Sheeran and music legend Annie Lennox for her incredible collection of music
Amazing: She said: ‘We live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything they want about you at any time, but please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong’
Eye-catching: Taylor dazzled in a beautiful silver beaded crop top and matching skirt as she took to the stage to accept her honour, after being praised by her fellow music stars
At last! The ceremony, which took place at London’s O2 Arena with a limited audience as part of the government’s Covid pilot scheme, also saw Little Mix make history as the first ever girl band to win Best British Group
‘I am so indebted and grateful to my British fans, I love you so much for everything you’d done for me, we’ve had so many amazing memories in the last 15 years, from playing Shepherd’s Bush Empire, to Wembley Stadium, to the O2 Arena, and because of you last year I almost played Glastonbury!
Noting the Covid pandemic, which brought much of the world to a halt, Taylor continued: ‘We all know what happened next, the world changed, and I ended up putting out three albums instead. Making Folklore and Evermore was the most unique experience I’ve ever had.
‘I want to thank my friends and family who know exactly who they are. If there’s one thing I’ve learned is you have to look around everyday. Never take them for granted, there are so many incredible new artists in this room tonight, and so many people watching who have goals and dreams and ambition for themselves.
‘We live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything they want about you at any time, but please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong, I love you so much thank you so much for this beautiful honour, this is amazing.’
Taylor also offered thanks to her longtime boyfriend Joe Alwyn, having spent much of the Covid lockdown living with the actor in the UK.
Over the moon! Just days after announcing their pregnancies, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards took to the stage with Jade Thirlwall to accept the coveted prize, paying tribute to former bandmate Jesy Nelson
Elated: Leigh-Anne Pinnock (far left) said: ‘We have been together for 10 years it’s been the best years of our life, we’ve had so much fun we’ve made so many memories, we want to thank your incredible fans, Jesy’
Glowing: The trio coordinated in glamorous white ball gowns, with the two mums-to-be cradling their stomachs as they posed for some snaps just days after announcing their pregnancies
Thrilled: Jade, pictured centre, added: ‘This award isn’t just for us, it’s for Spice Girls, Sugababes, All Saints, Girls Aloud, all the incredible girls bands we love you’
Funny: Comedian Jack Whitehall was once again tasked with hosting the awards, and as ever he didn’t disappoint with a slew of jibes and tongue-in-cheek jokes including a swipe at Rita Ora
Naughty! Performing a sea shanty with The Wellerman creator Nathan Evans, Jack sang: ‘It’s a Party Fit for Rita Ora,’ in reference to the star’s London party back in November which breached Covid restrictions
Back on stage! The ceremony broadcast live on ITV, celebrated the return to live music and nominee Dua Lipa promised those attending that it would ‘be a night to remember’ (Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro is pictured)
Huge news! Working closely with the Government to adhere to safety guidelines, this means The BRITs, was the first live music show at The O2 in over a year, with 4,000 tickets being up for grabs (Raye is pictured left)
Cheers! The BRITs will play an important role in paving the way for the return of live music at scale as the UK emerges from the past year’s restrictions (Joel Corry is pictured)
It’s back at last! Nominations were unveiled in March, with Celeste, Dua Lipa, Joel Corry and Young T & Bugsey joining Arlo Parks in receiving three nominations each, and Jessie Ware, J Hus, Bicep, AJ Tracey up for two awards as with Headie One
Elsewhere, after stunning in their elegant white ensembles, Little Mix took to the stage to accept their prize for Best British Group, with Leigh-Anne Pinnock beginning: ‘We have been together for 10 years it’s been the best years of our life, we’ve had so much fun we’ve made so many memories, we want to thank your incredible fans, Jesy.
‘It’s not easy being a female in the UK pop industry, we’ve seen the misogyny, dominance and lack of diversity, we’re proud of how we’re stuck together and we’re using our voices more than ever.’
Jade added: ‘This award isn’t just for us, it’s for Spice Girls, Sugababes, All Saints, Girls Aloud, all the incredible girls bands we love you.’
Comedian Jack Whitehall was once again tasked with hosting the awards, and as ever he didn’t disappoint with a slew of jibes and tongue-in-cheek jokes.
These included a cheeky reference to singer Rita Ora and her London party which breached lockdown rules back in November during a sea shanty with The Wellerman creator Nathan Evans, by singing: ‘It’s a Party Fit for Rita Ora.’
But the night wasn’t without gaffes, as Jack was noticeably muted by show bosses after appeared to drop the first expletive of the evening, despite the scenes airing after the 9pm watershed.
The comic could later be heard shouting ‘s**t’ during an interview with International Group winner Haim, after he praised the trio for travelling to England specifically for the ceremony.
Lewis Capaldi proved to be the viral sensation of the night, as he proceeded to drop multiple F-bombs as he presented the final award of the night, Best British Album.
He began: ”I’m f***ing s-‘ before being muted by ITV bosses, later continuing: ‘Sorry, I was reading off a card here – ”how is everyone doing?”
At the end of his speech he added: ‘Some good s***’ sparking a hysterical reaction from fans who praised his hilarious appearance.
Ahead of Coldplay’s opening performance, host Jack received a grilling from the Line Of Duty duo Vicky McClure and Martin Compston about who would be kicking off the ceremony.
But despite channelling their AC-12 alter-egos, the funnyman failed to spill the beans, meaning the pair had to call in reinforcements – Handforth Parish Council’s Jackie Weaver.
Despite Jack’s insistence she ‘didn’t have the authority,’ Jackie furiously terminated their video chat, before beginning the live awards show.
What did he say? Lewis Capaldi proved to be the viral sensation of the night, as he proceeded to drop multiple F-bombs as he presented the final award of the night, Best British Album
He said what? He began: ”I’m f***ing s-‘ before being muted by ITV bosses, later continuing: ‘Sorry, I was reading off a card here – ”how is everyone doing?”
Tell us! Ahead of Coldplay’s opening performance, Jack received a grilling from the Line Of Duty duo Vicky McClure and Martin Compston about who would be kicking off the ceremony
Showman! Coldplay then kicked off the show with an incredible pre-recorded performance on the River Thames of their single Higher Power from a barge in front of the O2
Incredible: Going all out for the opening act, Coldplay opted for futuristic dancing holograms and sparkling fireworks for the showcase, which was filmed outside the O2 last month
New release: Higher Power features on Coldplay’s new album which is called Music Of The Spheres, another reference to space and life beyond Earth
Coldplay then kicked off the show with an incredible pre-recorded performance on the River Thames of their single Higher Power from a barge in front of the O2.
Going on all out for the opening act, Coldplay opted for futuristic dancing holograms and sparkling fireworks for the showcase, which was filmed outside the O2 last month.
The performance included the use of jaw-dropping holograms, adding to the sci-fi theme after the band unveiled their new single last week by streaming it on board the Internation Space Station.
Harry Styles also earned a thunderous reaction from his die-hard fans when he was awarded Best British Single for his hit Watermelon Sugar.
Looking good! The band’s stellar showcase then moved into Dua’s jaw-dropping performance, which began as she made her way to the O2 on the Underground at Charing Cross station before transitioning into the arena
Flag blazer: The 25-year-old singer hit the stage in a Union Jack blazer, which she soon shed as she got into her performance
Paying homage: Levitating hitmaker Dua’s choice of ensemble hearkened back to Geri Horner’s headline-making patriotic minidress, which she wore as she performed at the same awards show some 24 years ago, back in 1997 (right)
Over the moon: Up first was the award for British Breakthrough Artist, awarded to Arlo Parks, who gushed that ‘dreams do come true’ after thanking her loved ones for helping encourage her to reach the prestigious honour
Eloquent: Arlo also took to the stage to perform a rendition of her single Hope in a bold paisley silver suit after scooping the first award of the night
Big star! Harry Styles also earned a thunderous reaction from his die-hard fans when he was awarded Best British Single for his hit Watermelon Sugar
The former One Direction star, who is in the midst of filming the 1950s drama My Policeman, took to the stage in an eye-catching brown suit, avoiding a run-in with his ex-girlfriend Taylor at the awards.
He said: ‘Thank you so much, it’s I just continue to be baffled by moments like this that make me more and more incredibly grateful to be able to do this job every day.
‘I’m really happy and proud to be celebrating British music tonight, I want to thank my fans for being so generous to me always and everyone who has my back thank you so much.’
British Breakthrough Artist was awarded to Arlo Parks, who gushed that ‘dreams do come true’ after thanking her loved ones for helping encourage her to reach the prestigious honour.
Over the moon: He said: ‘I’m really happy and proud to be celebrating British music tonight, I want to thank my fans for being so generous to me always and everyone who has my back thank you so much’
We are the winners! International Group was given to Haim, who attended the ceremony in person after spending 10 days in quarantine to accept their award
Thanks! Male Solo Artist was given to J Hus, who was unable to attend to accept the award, with DJ Semtex taking to the stage in his place
Lady in red: Olivia Rodrigo was a vision in a beautiful red gown as she delivered a stunning performance of her chart-topping hit Drivers Licence
Male Solo Artist was given to J Hus, who was unable to attend to accept the award, with DJ Semtex taking to the stage in his place.
He said: ‘Shout out to AJ Tracey, Headie One, all the artist in the building tonight. I’m gonna take my time and get this right, I don’t wanna end up as a meme tomorrow.
‘I’m here today because J Hus couldn’t make it, I’m here to accept the award on behalf of J Hus. He’s an incredible artist, one of the greatest. He makes music that makes our days that little bit easier, our lives that little bit easier.
‘If he was here tonight, I know he’d want to big up his family, he’d want to big up his friends and his team. All the fans who’ve been with him from day one, I know he’d want to big up militarians worldwide.
Breathtaking performance: : Griff captured the audience’s attention as she put on a rousing performance of Black Hole
Winning big: It proved to be a victorious night for Griff, who picked up the coveted Rising Star award after her performance
Debut single: The Hertfordshire native, whose real name is Sarah Faith Griffiths, released her debut single Mirror Talk in 2019
‘If he was here tonight, he might say something like, ‘Heavy duty don’t hide the beauty’. If J Hus was here tonight, I know he would definitely say, ‘Are you stronger today than you were yesterday?’. So everybody, wherever you are right now, show some appreciation for J Hus!’
International Female Artist was presented to Billie Eilish, who lamented being unable to attend the occasion after her stellar performance of No Time To Die at last year’s ceremony.
She said: ‘I love you so much this is an honour, the BRITs were so magical for me last year, I can’t wait to come back, thank you.’
Griff captured the audience’s attention as she put on a rousing performance of Black Hole, in what proved to be proved to be a victorious night for the star as she picked up the coveted Rising Star award after her performance.
International Male Artist saw a surprise appearance from former First Lady Michelle Obama, who presented the prize to The Weeknd, just minutes after he appeared to take inspiration from the UK’s recent weather by performing in the pouring rain.
Performance: Also taking to the stage on the night were Elton John and Years & Years, who teamed up to perform the Pet Shop Boys classic It’s A Sin, after teasing the surprise collaboration on social media ahead of the show
Mutual fans: The Rocket Man hitmaker, 74, took to the stage with Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander, 30, after becoming a huge fan of Olly’s performance as Ritchie Tozer in Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin
Spelling it out: The joint performance was heavily hinted at on social media, with Elton, Years and Years and The Brit Awards’ Instagram accounts all sharing words that spell out ‘It’s A Sin’
Title: Their cover of It’s A Sin was a fitting choice, as, it shares its name with the critically acclaimed series which starred Olly
Virtual performance: Singer The Weeknd was also on hand to perform at the show, although he made his appearance virtually
Covered up: The Canadian musician, real name Abel Tesfaye, could barely visible, covering his face with a wide-brimmed hat
High energy show: Young T & Bugsey, left, performed with grime star Headie One, right, during the star-studded ceremony
He said: ‘Thank you BRIT Awards I wish I was there to accept the award, I want to give a shout out to UK fans, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be standing here right now, for the people in Ethiopia who are suffering, you are in my heart.’
International Group was given to Haim, who attended the ceremony in person after spending 10 days in quarantine to accept their award.
Taking to the stage they gushed: ‘Oh my god sisters! This is incredible, this is INCREDIBLE, well I mean first of all, let me get my bearings, first of all the UK was the first place to ever embrace us. In the entire world, and for that honestly we will be forever grateful this is crazy. I’m like shaking wow and usually I’m so composed.’
Closing show: Rag’n’Bone Man closed out the show with a rousing performance of his new track Anywhere Away From Here
Beamed performance: The musician was joined for the performance by his duet partner Pink, who was beamed onto the stage
Voices in unison: A sizeable choir accompanied the stars as they closed out the star-studded ceremony in memorable style
Show-stoppers: Their big performance rounded out a slew of show-stopping moments during the star-studded ceremony
Also taking to the stage on the night were Elton John and Years & Years, who teamed up to perform the Pet Shop Boys classic It’s A Sin, after teasing the surprise collaboration on social media ahead of the show.
The Rocket Man hitmaker, 74, took to the stage with Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander, 30, after becoming a huge fan of Olly’s performance as Ritchie Tozer in Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin.
Olly starred alongside a cast of rising stars and celebrated favourites including Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris and It’s a Sin has been universally praised by fans.
The 2021 Brit Awards marked the first major indoor music event in over a year as bosses released 2,500 free tickets to key workers, taking place in front of a live audience totalling 4,000 people at London‘s The O2 six days before the next phase of lockdown lifts.
Look how close they are! The 2021 Brit Awards marked the first major indoor music event in over a year as bosses released 2,500 free tickets to key workers
The ceremony broadcast live on ITV, celebrated the return to live music and Dua Lipa promised those attending that it would ‘be a night to remember’.
The indoor ceremony and live show formed part of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme, and will use enhanced testing approaches to examine how events can take place without the need for social distancing after all restrictions are lifted on June 21.
Working closely with the Government to adhere to safety guidelines, this means The BRITs, was the first live music show at The O2 in over a year, with 4,000 tickets being up for grabs – just one fifth of the venue’s 20,000 capacity.
The BRITs will play an important role in paving the way for the return of live music at scale as the UK emerges from the past year’s restrictions.
Audience members were not socially distanced or required to wear face coverings in the arena, but were required to follow existing Government guidance when travelling to the venue and adhere to rules set out by the event organisers.
Among the rules, attendees had to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue.
As part of the wider scientific research on the trial events, attendees were also be asked to take a test after the event to gather further evidence on the safety of indoor settings, reduced social distancing and the removal of non-pharmaceutical interventions like face coverings.
Nominations were unveiled in March, with Celeste, Dua Lipa, Joel Corry and Young T & Bugsey joining Arlo Parks in receiving three nominations each, and Jessie Ware, J Hus, Bicep, AJ Tracey up for two awards as with Headie One.
No two metres here! Audience members were not socially distanced or required to wear face coverings in the arena, but were required to follow existing Government guidance when travelling to the venue and adhere to rules
