A LIVE music festival that organisers say will employ a system of ‘islands’ to maintain social distance is to hit South Lakeland next month.

A spokesman for The Social 2.0, which is to be held at the Westmorland County Showground, said ‘islands’ would be used to allow guests ‘to party within their bubble in designated personal areas’, giving festivalgoers space to move and relax. Tickets will be purchased per island, with room for up to six people in each space.

The spokesman said: “Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and picnic rugs to chill out on and enjoy the great food and drinks on offer from within the event.

“This island concept is being rolled out at other live music events in Newcastle, Manchester and London, and now at the South Lakes’ very own event.”

The event will be raising money for local food banks and mental health charity Mind.

Thomas Smith, of The Innova Collective, which is organising the event in collaboration with the County Showground, said: “The lockdown has affected us all in so many different ways, but mental health is somewhat a common ground - everyone has either suffered themselves or has been affected through a close friend or family member.

“This event is about bouncing back, positivity, hope and resilience, and we are sure the wonderful Cumbrian community will show it some support.

“The power of live music to bring people together for a shared experience is unbeatable, and it would be such a shame to see the summer pass us by without such a united moment of joy and euphoria for us all to remember.”

The Innova Collective is also behind EskFest, in the Eskdale Valley, and 54 Degrees North, a multi-venue music festival set to take place in Kendal in October this year.

A spokesman for The Social 2.0 said there would be a pre-order food service and a bar delivery service accessible via an app.

The event is taking place between August 28 and 30, with further details, including acts, to be announced soon.

Visit socialformind.co.uk for more information.