The team behind the Virgin Money Unity Arena have told Music Week the event could return next year if restrictions on traditional gigs continue indefinitely.

The socially distanced venue at Newcastle’s Gosforth Park made worldwide headlines in August when it hosted the UK’s first major concert in over four months, with the first of two sold-out 2,500-capacity nights by local hero Sam Fender.

And while the UK’s live industry remains hopeful of resuming full capacity gigs next spring, Fender’s agent ...