Department confirms one positive antigen test at pilot concert in Dublin

Strict social distancing was in place as pods of up to six people were separated by metal barriers. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

One person at yesterday's pilot festival in Dublin tested positive for Covid-19 using an antigen test however the result turned out to be false. 

The concert-goer then took a PCR test that later returned a negative result for the virus.

They were the only person to test positive out of 3,500 who took an antigen test, ahead of the gig at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Pictured today at a Pilot Music Festival in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, which is being hosted by the Irish Museum of Modern Art, were 3,500 antigen-tested fans who enjoyed the one day event. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

This is according to figures released by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media that arranged the festival. 

More than 4,000 people in total were tested for the coronavirus using rapid antigen testing, the department has said. 

It was the fourth in a series of test concerts designed by the department to facilitate the return of live music and the arts. 

Artists taking part include Gavin James, Denise Chaila, Wild Youth, Shannon Shannon, Lyra, and Wyvern Lingo. The festival is the fourth in a series of pilot events supported by the Department of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Photo shows: fans enjoying the performance of Lyra. Picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Strict social distancing was in place as pods of up to six people were separated by metal barriers.

The concert was also the first pilot event organised by the department and was the first concert in 15 months at Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

Over 3,500 members of the public were tested at the concert along with the support staff and technicians and just one person was unfortunate not to be able to attend. 

The person was turned away and given a PCR test which later showed a negative result. 

Three companies were involved with the testing with the first testing staff setting up the festival. 

The second company tested staff working on the day while the third company examined the more than 3,000 people in attendance. 

A number of Irish acts took part in the concert including Gavin James, Denise Chaila, Sharon Shannon, Wild Youth and Wyvern Lingo. 

Many revellers hailed the event as a "return to normality".