Drive-in concerts a new way for safe shows

The drive-in theatre will host up to 300 cars and 600 people from July. Performances will be live-streamed to cars via Zoom and audiences can interact with artists in real-time.

To show how it will work, gates will open on Thursday from 11.30am at the Robyn Webster Sports Centre in Tempe to pre-booked ticket holders who will watch the free concert from their cars.

Donovan says the drive-in concert is an opportunity for both artists and audience members to practice some form of safe connection and interaction.

"I am so excited to get back on stage in front of actual people and not just a camera phone in my bedroom," she said in a statement.

"The music/entertainment industry is continuously trying so hard to keep everyone entertained and distracted from the reality that has now become a new kind of normal."

Drive-in Entertainment Australia has partnered with local councils in NSW and Victoria and will launch in at least eight locations initially, with more states potentially on the cards.

Under stage three of the Commonwealth's plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions, groups in Australia are still capped at up to 100 people, which Drive-In Entertainment's managing director Samwise Holmes says is unsustainable for most live performances.

"Entertainment is what keeps the light on in times like this, we want to keep Australians hopeful and keep entertainers employed - while adhering to strict health regulations," Mr Holmes said in a statement on Thursday.

Equity resident Chloe Dallimore says the drive-in concert is a way for many workers including musicians and technicians to make some money after being largely excluded from the JobKeeper allowance.

AAP has been advised the concert on Thursday is at capacity but there will be a car-waiting area for anyone who turns up in case a ticketholder does not show.

Australian Associated Press