Fans will be allowed back to watch Wales take on Albania next month in a crunch World Cup qualifier, the Welsh Government has announced.

As the coronavirus restrictions continue to relax in Wales, the Welsh Government has announced a list of pilot test events.

These include Swansea City FC and Newport County’s play-off games next week along with Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Albania in the Cardiff City Stadium on 5 June, with 4,000 fans being allowed to attend.

The Welsh Government is working with partners on the delivery of pilot test events which will develop processes and guidance that will allow the safe return of events in Wales.

Managing a safe and successful test events programme will hopefully allow larger gatherings back to stadia, theatres and other venues in Wales later this year.

Cardiff’s Eid at the Castle celebration and Tafwyl have been confirmed for this week while discussions with other event owners are ongoing.

Another event allowed to take place as part of the pilot scheme is the Fishguard Triathlon 11 and 12 June.

The proposed list of all nine pilot test events is as follows:

Eid-al-Fitr, 12-14 May (TBA-date is agreed on the eve of the event), Cardiff, Attendees 300-500

Tafwyl Festival, 15 May, Cardiff, Attendees 500

League Two Play Offs fixture Newport County AFC, 18 May, Rodney Parade

ICCW business event, 20 May, Newport, Invited attendees 100 indoors

Championship Play Offs fixture Swansea City AFC, 22 May, Liberty Stadium

Theatre Brycheiniog, 3-4 June, Theatre Brycheiniog Brecon, Powys, Attendees 250

Glamorgan v Lancashire, 3-6 June, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Spectators 750-1,000

Wales v Albania, 5 June, Cardiff City Stadium, Spectators 4,000

Fishguard Triathlon, 11 and 12 June, Fishguard/St David’s, Registered participants only

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, said: “It’s been a long and difficult 18 months for the events industry in Wales – for event owners, those who depend on the sector for the work - and for those who long to see the return of live events to Wales.

"As we look at lifting the coronavirus restrictions in Wales we have worked closely with event organisers to establish a list of pilot test events which take in a range of different locations and types of event.

"This work is bringing us a step closer to a return to events in Wales, I’d like to thank these event owners and local authorities and health boards for their commitment in working with us and wish them well over the summer.

“These events are very different in nature and location but access of attendees – whether participants or spectators – is strictly controlled by the organisers and agreed in advance.

“We’re asking people to celebrate Eid differently again this year. I very much hope that celebrations at the castle are enjoyed by those with tickets. If you don’t have a ticket please celebrate safely with your immediate household or within support bubbles.”

The events have been selected in discussion with the Welsh Government’s project board for the test event programme and event owners. A testing protocol and risk assessment will be tailored for each event.