A THEATRE in Powys will be used as one of a handful of pilot tests that could allow for the safe return of events in Wales.

Brecon’s Theatr Brycheiniog will be allowed to welcome 250 audience members over two days in June as the venue teams up with Neath-based Theatr na nÓg to present a family show. The event will take place on June 3 and 4, with Theatr Brycheiniog joining the likes of Cardiff’s Eid at the Castle event which was held earlier this week, and the Tafwyl Festival, also being held in the capital today (May 15).

Other events include the League 2 playoffs fixture between Newport County and Forest Green Rovers on May 18; Swansea’s Championship playoff second leg against Barnsley on May 22; Glamorgan’s County Championship fixture against Lancashire at Sophia Gardens from June 3-6;

Wales’ friendly with Albania in Cardiff on June 5 and the Fishguard Triathlon taking place from June 11-12.

If the test events programme proves safe and successful it will hopefully allow larger gatherings back to stadiums, theatres and other venues in Wales later this year. Theatr Brycheiniog especially welcome this news and are excited to be one of the venues chosen to get the pilot events underway as Covid-19 restrictions continue to relax in Wales.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “It’s been a long and difficult 18 months for the events industry in Wales – for event owners, those who depend on the sector for the work – and for those who long to see the return of live events to Wales.

“As we look at lifting the coronavirus restrictions in Wales we have worked closely with event organisers to establish a list of pilot test events which take in a range of different locations and types of event. These events are very different in nature and location but access of attendees – whether participants or spectators – is strictly controlled by the organisers and agreed in advance.”

As they still need to finalise the protocols with the authorities, further announcements about the show, tickets and any further requirements will be made shortly by Theatr Brycheiniog.

Theatre director David Wilson said: “I am delighted that we can engage in events once more.

“Not only does this mean that we can welcome people back, while still keeping within Covid guidelines, it also provides much needed work and support for those in the sector.

“I am also incredibly pleased that we are providing for families and young people at this time with the fantastic team at Theatr na nÓg. Our thanks also go to the Welsh Government for the opportunity and support in this live events test programme.”

Geinor Styles, artistic director at Theatr na nÓg, added: “It is truly wonderful to present live theatre for our audiences once again.

“Theatr na nÓg are very proud of all that we have achieved during lockdown, but nothing compares to the live theatre experience, and to be part of this initiative to make theatre safe is a real privilege.”

A testing protocol and risk assessment will be tailored for each event. Further details and information on how to book will shortly be announced on the Theatr Brycheiniog website, social media channels and via the newsletter. For more information on the event and the venue, visit https://www.brycheiniog.co.uk/en.

The proposed list of all nine pilot test events is as follows:

-Eid-al-Fitr: May 12-14, Cardiff, 300 to 500 attendees

-Tafwyl Festival: May 15, Cardiff, 500 attendees

-League two play offs fixture Newport County v Forest Green: May 18, Rodney Parade

-Celtic Manor Resort business event: May 20, Newport, 100 invited attendees, indoors

-Championships play offs fixture Swansea City v Barnsley: May 22, Liberty Stadium

-Theatre Brycheiniog: June 3-4, Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon, 250 attendees

-Glamorgan v Lancashire: June 3-6, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 750 to 1,000 spectators

-Wales v Albania: June 5, Cardiff City Stadium, 4,000 spectators

-Fishguard Triathlon: June 11-12, Fishguard/St David’s, registered participants only