Craufurd Arms to stream ‘socially distanced’ gig when first headline act returns on Saturday

The Craufurd Arms’ first gig since lockdown on Saturday will be professionally broadcast to help offset its reduction in capacity.

Sarpa Salpa will be headlining the Milton Keynes venue on October 3 and although tickets are sold out, fans will be able to watch online.

Owner Jason Hall said: “We are excited to welcome back bands to our stage, offer our crew and staff the chance to get back to work and welcome in fans.

“Music and culture is so important to people’s lives and to be able to offer that again is an exciting time.”

The venue has teamed up with Viral Broadcasts who will be putting together a multi-cam live mix of static and remotely controlled cameras. Marshal Amplification is also supporting the gig.

Mr Hall added: “We have been trying a few different recording and streaming options, but this time we have the pros in.

“It will be high quality and a chance to allow more of an audience for the bands.

“Viral Broadcasts are a group of TV professionals who have notably worked on Jools Holland and the Mercury Prize who have joined together to help bands get an audience again.”

Current Government regulations on gigs inside music venues mean they can only operate with a significantly reduced capacity.

The Craufurd Arms, which can usually hold 280 will instead see 64 fans inside to watch Sarpa Salpa and support by Low Girl.

Fans will be able to watch the stream for free. However, people will be urged to make a donation which will be used towards the long-term survival of the venue.

Mr Hall added: “We are trying our best to offer the best Craufurd experience we can within the restrictions, as the time scales lengthen on when normality might resume.

“It’s a survival reflex within us to keep everyone safe while trying to keep the venue afloat and hopefully get through this.”

Sarpa Sarpa are headlining the day after the release of their new single, Stick To What You Know.

The Craufurd arms has a series of other ‘socially distanced’ gigs throughout October including Naked Next Door, Torus, Exploding Ear Ensemble and The Smyths.

The venue hopes to stream more gigs while it is operating a reduced capacity.

For more information visit https://www.thecraufurdarms.com and https://www.viralbroadcasts.com