Revellers dress to the nines as first nightclub in Britain reopens for ‘Covid-safe’ event

REVELLERS dressed up to the nines flocked to the first open nightclub in Britain after 406 days for a "Covid-safe" pilot event.

A small number of excited party-goers, starved of the dancefloor for more than a year, are partying tonight in Liverpool for a one-off rave.

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It is part of a series of tests to get the country up and running and firmly out of lockdown.

About 3,000 party-goers filed into The Circus for its "The First Dance" event, with another 3,000 let in tomorrow.

Despite the slight chill in the air ravers had on their best party gear, having fully embraced the chance to get dressed up to go out.

Inside the Bramley-Moore Dock warehouse, crowds packed the floor to dance shoulder-to-shoulder for the first time in more than a year.

Club-goers were seen hugging and kissing each other, with some sitting on others' shoulders for a better view of the stage.

The line-up for today included Circus founder and DJ Yousef, Lewis Boardman and The Blessed Madonna as well as house music DJ Jayda G - who thrilled the crowd with her set this evening.

Sam Murphy, 20, who is from Belfast, said that after starting at Liverpool Hope University last September, he had the "worst freshers ever" because of coronavirus restrictions.

He said even tearing ligaments in his foot and having to wear a protective boot had not put him off attending the first club night since March 2020.

He said: "No chance - the first thing I said was give me a boot and let me out."

Mr Murphy, from Belfast, said he had done a coronavirus test on Thursday and again on Friday morning and would take another in five days.

His friend Aodghan Fegan, 21, said: "I hope it all goes well and hope the Covid levels still stay low so there's more events like this."

Excited people had queued up to get into the club in brightly coloured outfits - looking more than ready to dance the night away.

Fatboy Slim is headlining the party tomorrow, running from 2pm to 11pm.

Anyone who managed to snap up a ticket has to have taken a Covid lateral flow test 24 hours before arriving.

Liverpool has become be a key test centre for the opening up of the rest of the country — with four pilot events held at a comedy club, a cinema, a nightclub and a business conference arena.

Prof Iain Buchan, of the University of Liverpool and helping to run the events, previously outlined the prerequisites of taking part.

He said it would involve: "Giving your consent to take part when you book a ticket; receiving text messages about hands, face, space, fresh air; minimising unnecessary contacts before the event; getting tested within 36 hours, ideally as close to the event as possible; ideally having a test earlier in the week".

Prof Buchan added: "Don't go on the day if you have any symptoms."

It follows the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium last week, where 8,000 fans were let in.

Nightclubs aren't due to open back up again properly until June 21, having been shut since the very first lockdown in March last year.

Yesterday Michael Gove suggested vaccine passports look set to be introduced for stadiums, nightclubs and gigs after June 21.

OUT OF LOCKDOWN...

In a statement to MPs he revealed that he'd conducted "in-depth discussions" with a range of experts, business and faith groups.

He's spoken to hospitality and live entertainment bosses, as well as clinicians and specialists to gather their views on how such a system could work.

But more work has yet to be done to give it the green light, the statement suggested.

Earlier today vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi confirmed that the Covid vaccine passport scheme for foreign holidays - which is separate to the domestic plans - is expected to be ready for May 17.

But The Sun revealed last week officials are worried that the NHS app might not be able to be transformed ready in time for May 17.

Officials are said to be looking at paper proof so people can fly away around the world, if needed.

Pubs, restaurants and gyms reopened on April 12, along with zoos, theme parks and hairdressers.

Lockdown restrictions are set to ease further on May 17, allowing Brits to enjoy food and a pint indoors.

And it is hoped all restrictions should be lifted on June 21.