PHOTOS: Pop stars, key workers gather for BRIT Awards in London

Some 4,000 people watched singers Dua Lipa and Arlo Parks triumph as well as perform at the BRIT Awards on Tuesday, in the first major indoor music event with a live audience held in London in over a year. Britain's pop music honours, for which the audience did not have to wear masks or socially distance, took place at the O2 arena on the River Thames as the country emerges from COVID-19 lockdown. The ceremony, during which Billie Eilish and The Weeknd were also winners, is part of the British government's Events Research Programme aimed at establishing whether big events can be held in closed environments without social distancing. The audience, of which 2,500 were key workers with guests, were sat in rows, looking down on two stages - one for presenters and another for performers. Nominees sat at distanced tables.

Taylor Swift accepts the Global Icon award during the Brit Awards 2021 at the O2 Arena, in London, Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Harry Styles accepts the award for British Single during the Brit Awards 2021 at the O2 Arena, London, Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Singer Arlo Parks performs on stage at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain May 11, 2021.

Singer Dua Lipa accepts the award at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain May 11, 2021.

Singer Dua Lipa poses with her awards at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain May 11, 2021.

Little Mix accept the award for Best British Group during the Brit Awards 2021 at the O2 Arena, London, Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Olly Alexander and Elton John perform on stage at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain May 11, 2021.

Olly Alexander and Elton John perform on stage at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain May 11, 2021.

Singer Olivia Rodrigo performs on stage at the BRIT Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain May 11, 2021.