The rock band Nine Treasures, from Inner Mongolia autonomous region, gained a following overseas after touring Europe five years ago. [Photo/China Daily]

Shan said, "It's a been a slow recovery process for outdoor music festivals and live performances, as we are still concerned about the spread of the pandemic." During the second half of this year, Midi Music Festival organizers will stage one outdoor music event each month across the country, provided the pandemic is under control, Shan added.

In full swing

Wang Guan, a 40-year-old fan who set an alarm to buy tickets for both days of the Chongli festival, said, "Outdoor music festivals are well-loved and celebrated nationwide. With the official announcement of the Midi Music Festival's Chongli event, summer is in full swing."

A designer at an advertising company in Beijing, Wang wanted to celebrate his 40th birthday in May by attending an outdoor music festival with his family. However, his plans were dashed by the pandemic.

"I went to the Midi Music Festival when I was in high school. With the scene thriving in Beijing, I often go to watch performances at live house venues," Wang said.

"I've been bored during the past six months, when there have been no shows due to the outbreak. Although many online performances are available, I still miss the atmosphere of live shows. There is an irreplaceable vibe between the performers and fans."

Many other fans have also voiced their excitement on social media platforms about the return of live performances, with some calling for people from the same city to share cars to Chongli.

"Live music has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so people are happy to get together for performances, even if the location is far from their homes," said Ling Chen, a fan living in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province.

Ling usually attends the Midi Music Festival and Strawberry Music Festival, two major outdoor events, when they are staged at venues near her home.

She bought tickets for the Chongli event along with three of her friends.

"In the past, we attended outdoor music festivals to watch performances by our favorite bands, but now we just want to get back to the live music scene, which has disappeared from our lives during the past six months," Ling said.

Hard to survive

Like their fans, indie rock bands are also eager to return to live shows.