SUPPORT has been given to a music festival's bid to be run as a Covid test event.

Yesterday, the organisers of the music festival, Let’s Rock Southampton, announced that it has been shortlisted as a Covid test event.

This came after Boris Johnson pushed back the easing of lockdown from June 21 to July 19.

The festival, which is due to take place on July 10, said it should know “by the end of the week” if it’s application to the Government has been successful.

But now, support has been given to the bid by the organisers with the Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Heritage at Southampton City Council, Councillor Spiros Vassiliou, saying: “We’re very supportive of looking at these pilot schemes. Obviously it has to be done in a proper, safe and secure way, but we’re very keen to have Southampton events as some of these pilots.

“Liverpool had one quite recently as well which was very successful and went very well. It’s about insuring that there is a safe environment for people to enjoy these events.

“We look forward to working with organisers to see that happen.”

If the bid is not successful, bosses have added that they have a ‘contingency date’, but if it does go ahead, Synth pop legends OMD will headline.

Southampton Itchen MP, Royston Smith, added: “It’s very good news. I’m really pleased for that event and they must be really happy and all their customers will be. It’s good for everyone.

“If these test events prove that you can hold mass participation events in a Covid safe way, then that is very good news as we look forward to full opening up.

“I would equally like to see the boat show being one of those events.”