Will.i.am has unveiled a new Bluetooth face mask, with features including noise-cancelling headphones and LED lights.

The “Xupermask” smart mask will cost $299, and is being presented by the Black Eyed Peas rapper and entrepreneur in partnership with tech company Honeywell.

6,000 clubbers will return to the dancefloor in Liverpool this month, to participate in a covid-secure event trial.

In February, it was announced that the government's Events Research Programme (ERP) — which is trialling events at nightclubs, stadiums, theatres and concerts with volunteers — would pilot several events in Liverpool to collect evidence and better understand best practice amid easing coronavirus restrictions.

A digital vaccine passport app has been made available to New Yorkers in a bid to speed-up the reopening process for business and venues in the state. 

The “Excelsior Pass” is a free, voluntary app that uses secure technology to confirm if a person has been fully vaccinated against coronavirus, or has recently tested negative for the virus. The app will then generate a QR code for the user, which participating venues and businesses will be able to scan upon arrival. 

The Nighttime Industries Association (NTIA) has said that vaccine passports for UK clubs is an “unworkable” option.

After it was revealed the the government has been considering vaccine passports for reopening the hospitality and nightlife sectors, which currently remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NTIA has issued a statement warning that the scheme could cause "further anxiety" for venue operators, with CEO Michael Kill calling the passports a "clear subject of cross sector discrimination.”

5,000 people attended a gig in Barcelona as part of coronavirus study this weekend.

On Saturday (27th), 5,000 music fans packed into the floor space of Barcelona's Palau Sant Jordi 17,000-capacity arena for a concert courtesy of Spanish indie pop band, Love of Lesbian.

The gig was part of a pilot project between the Spanish government and venues, who are assessing if utilising rapid coronavirus testing systems could effectively prevent COVID-19 outbreaks at bigger events.

A vaccine passport for tourists to enter Spain — including Ibiza and the rest of the Balearic Islands — will be ready by June, the Spanish government has said.

Speaking at a press conference in Playa de Palma last Thursday (25th), Spain's tourism minister, Reyes Maroto, told reporters that a new coronavirus vaccination certificate "will replace current restrictions when it comes to travelling", and is expected to be ready by summer.

Berlin's Senate Department for Culture and Europe is set to trial indoor events to assess the safety of reopening clubs using antigen testing. 

In a press release from the Senate earlier this month, it was confirmed that nine indoor events would be held at a number of different venues across Berlin during March and April, to examine the practicality of using coronavirus antigen tests to restart the city's culture sector.

Introducing a UK festival insurance scheme risks ‘pulling the rug’ from under events, Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has said.

Following the announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson that coronavirus restrictions on hospitality and crowds could ease nationally from the 21st June, the House of Commons' Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee confirmed a discussion would take place this week focused on the future of festivals.

The UK Government is set to discuss the return of UK festivals this week.

Following the announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson that coronavirus restrictions on hospitality and crowds could ease nationally from the 21st June, the House of Commons' Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has confirmed it will discuss the future of festivals with the UK's Culture Minister, Caroline Dinenage, later this week.