THE country’s “first outdoor music event” since the coronavirus outbreak is set to take place in Wimborne on the August bank holiday.

Mark Kyp, of Mr Kyps Live Music, has arranged a drive-in gig in Julians Road, Wimborne, and said he has worked tirelessly to ensure it is safe.

He said: “We have been working on it for the last three months.

“I have to keep everybody safe, we are spending about £6,000 on security.

“It’s about trying to get my brand back out there.

“Every part of this gig is socially distanced. You drive in through the end of the farm, you have your temperature taken, you have to have a hand sanitiser and have to have a black bin.

“Guests park up and they can get out their car, put a chair by the side of the car but they have to say in their bubble.

“Basically, it is as simple as that. We don’t have a drinks licence guests can bring a drink.”

Mark said his plans were initially rejected by Dorset Police but after showing them the safety measures in place it was accepted.

“Gigs won’t be happening for a long time,” he continued.

“With this you can be outside and socially distancing.

“People can only buy tickets online they can’t buy tickets on the day.

“It’s £80 per car and the cars can have a maximum of four people.

“I have a duty of care but we have put a lot of measures in place.

“When tickets go on sale, they have to agree to the terms and conditions.

“I have been told this will be the only outdoor music festival this year.”

Performing at the event are Abba Fever, RU40, Ratrace and Laurence Jones among others.

Mark reiterated that the gig is to get his brand back out there after spending the majority of lockdown issuing refunds for cancelled events.

He said: “These are serious times, we are not out the woods yet.

“There will be staff making sure people stay in their bubble, we are not hiding anything.

“It’s cost £20,000 to put on, it is a high risk industry, I need to sell 250 cars but it is not about the money.

“If this goes as well as I know it is going to, I can take my brand all over the country.

“I am really excited about it.”

For more information, visit Mr Kyps Live Music on Facebook.