Live gigs on pause in Brisbane as city enters lockdown

The Queensland Government is attempting to stymie an outbreak of a highly-transmissible variant of COVID-19 which has reached its shores via the UK.

This means the Greater Brisbane area will enter lockdown from 6pm (AEST) today (Friday, 8 January) until 6pm Monday, January 11.

Restaurants and cafes will be open, but only for takeaway purposes, and cinemas and entertainment/ recreation venues will be closed completely.

"All non-essential businesses, such as cinemas, live theatre and any other live performances, in the Greater Brisbane area will be closed for the duration of the lockdown period," the State Government said.

In a Q&A on Queensland's Health's website, the Government department also noted this meant Greater Brisbane residents could not travel to attend events on the Gold Coast throughout the period.

A map of the Greater Brisbane region entering lockdown

Shrek The Musical was due to take place over the weekend at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, however performances from 3pm on Friday for the duration of the lockdown have been called off. A number of live music performances at pubs and smaller venues have also been forced to cancel.