20,000 New Zealanders attend biggest gig since COVID-19 pandemic began

On January 16th, 20,000 New Zealanders attended a Six60 concert - making it the biggest gig put on by the country since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

During the outdoor event, attendees neither had to wear face masks nor observe social distancing measures.

The live gig occurred as the country marked its second month without any new COVID-19 transmissions occurring between citizens.

The performance was put on by native soul-pop band Six60, taking place at the Waitangi Sports Grounds near the nation's northern tip.

Before Six60's concert, the country had hosted various New Year's Eve music festivals that also had massive crowds, including Rhythm and Vines, Rhythm & Alps and the Northern Bass festivals.

Though the band's international shows have been cancelled, they can play in their home turf due to their success in the country's ability to handle the virus.

Following the Waitangi concert, the 'Don't Forget Your Roots' outfit will head to Hastings, New Plymouth, Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton.

The country has officially lowered its COVID-19 alert level to one, meaning the virus is contained with only sporadic imported cases or isolated local cases occurring.

As of January 15 2021, New Zealand had 76 active cases of the virus, raising its overall total to just 2,246 infections since the start of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, Ireland remains in Level 5 of our third lockdown - with harsh restrictions here to stay until at least June according to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Image credit: ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF