The O2 Arena has announced it will host its first live music event in more than eight months with a socially distanced set in December.

The world renowned venue on the Greenwich Peninsula will host Squeeze, a local band hailing from south east London, on December 5 for its grand reopening.

Organisers say the event is a "major step forward in getting the live event industry back up and running" after a long hiatus, and the band have said they are "thrilled" to be playing at hallowed ground.

The gig is a socially distanced event, meaning seating configurations must be in line with one metre plus guidelines, plus new one way systems and stewards on hand to direct people to their seats.

Most interestingly though, the O2 has purchased electrostatic foggers to deliver a "charged anti-bacterial spray across the venue," enveloping all surfaces and providing protection for up to 30 days.

A heightened cleaning regime will be in place before, during and after the event, all ticketing is mobile and contactless, and face coverings will be mandatory except when eating and drinking in seats.

Steve Sayer, the O2's vice president and general manager, said they had been working "incredibly hard" to bring back live events to the O2, and assures fans that measures will be in place to ensure a Covid-19 secure experience.

"At the moment, we’re only able to host under a quarter of our capacity in the arena, so this is not a long term solution for us or other venues and we continue to press the government for targeted support and guidance to get the live events industry and its supply chain back on its feet.

“The O2 was designed to give artists and fans the best live music in the world and we look forward to doing that again with Squeeze.

"As The O2 returns to live, it’s really fitting that a band from the local area are the ones to reopen our doors to the public once again. The whole team are excited to see them on our stage for the first time.”

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Squeeze have actually performed at The O2’s smaller venue, indigo at The O2 multiple times, and said they were keen to be part of The O2’s re-opening.

Lead singer Glenn Tilbrook said: “I am so thrilled to be playing The O2 with Squeeze and to be able to chalk up another first for us on this hallowed ground, previously the site of a gasworks, whose social club featured a double bill of Chris Difford and myself with Bucks Fizz’s Cheryl Baker.

"That was a long time ago. We are putting a lot of time and energy into this show to make it one not to forget. See you there! Love, Glenn.”

Steve Homer, AEG Presents CEO added: “We are excited to be promoting a live music show again after what seems like an eternity!

"Squeeze, hailing originally from Greenwich, are a perfect artist to kick things back off again at The O2 and we are delighted they are supporting such an important step of getting back to live music."

Starting at 5:30pm, the show will end by 10pm to allow fans to leave safely at a distance.

Customers will be able to pre-order food, drink and merchandise at the venue, and will also only be allowed to bring one single clear bag into the arena.

Tickets were released on October 9, and in line with Tier 2 restrictions, you may now only purchase tickets with other members of your household or support bubble.