THE pandemic has reshaped the way we live our lives with social distancing playing a big factor in how we go out and socialise.

After a lot of anxiety and sacrifices, restrictions are about to lift but you really do have to doff your cap to how event organisers have adapted during the crisis.

It is difficult to imagine, for instance, that Tatton Park Pop Up Festival would have taken place if it was not for the Covid era.

Over 10 weeks until August 29, more than 50 open air shows will be taking place on a lakeside stage.

Audience groups are separated into socially distanced 'squares' where they can enjoy performances on deckchairs or rattan style sofas.

The novelty factor as much as being keen to get out after many months of lockdown convinced me to give it a go – so at the weekend I went to Jason Manford's Comedy Club.

The Manchester comic basically hand-picks people from the comedy circuit to perform – this time it was with host Matt Reed, Daliso Chapanda, Kate Lucas and Simon Wozniak – and on this occasion Jason was going to be closing the show himself.

But would live comedy translate to an open air crowd, particularly one that was spread out?

The short answer is yes. The sound travelled really well from the performers' microphones and what the show lacked in terms of the intimacy of an indoor venue, it made up for in comfort and a touch of luxury.

We have all been at uncomfortable shows where you can crammed in. But at Tatton Park Pop Up Festival you can stretch your legs and drinks are brought to you with the event very well served by waiting staff.

Matt Reed was a brilliant host – gently taking the mickey out of the crowd and finding it slightly surreal to be in front of audiences once again.

Malawian stand-up comedian Daliso Chaponda, a former Britain's Got Talent finalist, had the audience in stitches recollecting awkward conversations he has had with English people about race and his upbringing.

Award-winning musical comedian Kate Lucas's witty songs were filled with guilty pleasures while Simon Wozniak's self-deprecating stories had the crowd constantly laughing and ready and warmed up for Jason's set.

Jason had lost none of his polished wit and easy charm despite being off stage for a year and a half.

His material covered lockdown life and also borrowed from his 'Muddle Class' tour as he talked about going from working class roots to doing alright for himself – and how that has created friction and occasional mocking from his family.

With the show taking place the night before the Euro 2020 final, a strange heckle also led to a story about Jason's run-in with Ralf Little in a charity football match.

The evening finished bizarre but brilliant with Jason belting out a cover of Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline to send us off with hope for the match against Italy.

Tatton Park Pop Up Festival offered a wonderful and innovative set up with a format that I could easily see continuing to be adopted post Covid.

It is just a lovely way to spend a summer evening and treat yourself in a gorgeous setting.

The festival continues until the end of August with a range of events to suit all tastes as well as family attractions.

For the line-up and tickets visit tattonparkpopupfestival.co.uk