A BLACKBURN entertainment company is to stage some of the first live shows in the country since lockdown began.

From the end of the month Pop Up Entertainment will put on a series of Drive-In Theatre shows at Event City near the Trafford Centre. The family shows will run throughout the summer holidays.

Amy Toole, managing director of Pop Up Entertainment based on Tontine Street said: "This is really exciting for us. We were approached by One Agency who have already been involved in drive-in cinema events to see if we could stage some live shows for them.

"Our industry has been hit hard by Covid-19 and I think everyone is missing live entertainment so to get the chance to be put on some of the first live shows in the country is great news."

Amy said that Pop Up Entertainment was taking every precaution to ensure that its performers would be safe.

"The performers, which includes a choreographer, will in effect form their own 'bubble'," said Amy. "They will be rehearsing the shows for the next couple of weeks and we have marked out the rehearsal space to include social distancing."

For the Drive-In Theatre shows audiences will arrive in and remain in their cars. There will be a main stage and large screens and at times in the show performers will leave the main stage to smaller stages.

Among the shows being performed will be The Greatest Show featuring some of the most popular songs from screen musicals, the Mamma Mia Experience celebrating the music of Abba, a Queen celebration and Diva Mix, one of Pop Up Entertainment's most popular shows featuring the songs of Little Mix and other female artists.

"We are even going to have a pub karaoke night so people can sing along to their favourites in their cars," said Amy, "and there will be a bingo night too."

Pop Up Entertainment has gained a national reputation for its live shows. The company has been responsible for the spectacular winter parade at the Trafford Centre and was heavily involved in the Blackburn Christmas lights switch-on.

It had also won a contract to provide on-board entertainment for P&O which has been put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"The Drive-In Theatre idea is a really exciting prospect," said Amy, "and we are hoping that the Event City experience will prove so popular that we get involved in similar events elsewhere."

She revealed that she was in talks with Blackburn with Darwen Council to see if a Drive -In Live event could be held locally.

"There is nothing like a live show," said Amy, "and although these will be a little different we can't wait to see families coming along and everyone having a good time together.

"Our shows will be of the highest standard and being involved in this is something we are all really proud of."

The shows will run from Thursday, July 30 until Sunday, September 6 with performances on Thursdays through to Sunday including a Saturday afternoon show.The shows will change each week.

For tickets, priced £35 per car, and show details visit www.oneagencymedia.co.uk/one-events/live-shows/