LIVE music events will re-open next week in a popular community hub.

Upstairs@TheGather in Ennerdale Bridge has been putting on streamed music since March 2020. It will reopen for live music on Friday, July 16.

The scheme is run by Emma Shepherd, who coordinates community led activies at The Gather, and a team of volunteers, including Peter Maher.

Peter has done all the fundraising and collaboration with artists and agents. He also works with a small group of volunteers, mostly young people, who help with staging and technical equipment in the lead up events.

Emma said: "Our decision to reopen the music gigs came after working hard with the national organisation that represents small music venues, The Music Venues Trust, in their 'Revive Live' accredited programme.

"It has helped us to make decisions and take steps that will make our venue as safe as possible for audiences and artists both before and after restrictions are lifted.”

Acclaimed folk musician Reg Meuross will kick off the live action. “Reg will play to an audience no larger than 18 in a venue with a capacity 60," said Emma.

"That means that there will be at least two metres between different bubbles in the venue. Ticket holders will receive details of our precautions.”

The team has been streaming music throughout lockdown, attracting audiences worldwide. Last week's finale was led by Snake Davis.

Emma said: “It was Snake who performed our very first gig and has been so supportive of the Ennerdale community since, giving endlessly of his time, expertise and industry contacts; it seemed only right that we should invite Snake to close this chapter in our musical story."

All the 41 streamed gigs can be viewed free on the website (thegatherennerdale.com).

As well as being able to attend live events Upstairs@TheGather people can also watch online.

Peter said: “The Reg Meuross concert has (so far) sold 11 virtual tickets. One is a person who lives in Ennerdale Bridge but who would be happier watching live from home; others are spread right across the UK.

"One virtual ticket holder will be tuning in from Connecticut, USA."

The team is always keen to hear from people wanting to volunteer.