London clubbers cheer end of COVID-19 restrictions in UK, flock 00:01 festival
Britain, which has one of the world's highest death tolls from COVID, is facing a new wave of cases, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson is lifting most restrictions in England in what some have dubbed "Freedom Day".
London: Hundred of clubbers on Monday (July 19, 2021) flocked to one of the first rule-free live music events since the pandemic began last year, dancing through the night and rejoicing in human interaction as England lifted most COVID restrictions at midnight.
Britain, which has one of the world's highest death tolls from COVID, is facing a new wave of cases, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson is lifting most restrictions in England in what some have dubbed "Freedom Day".
Everyone at the dance floor
London witnessed a groovy night
Beside the zest for fun, though, there was also clear concern about a wave of new cases - more than 50,000 per day across the United Kingdom. "I am so excited - but it’s mixed with the sense of impending doom," said Gary Cartmill, 26, outside the "00:01" event which was organised to celebrate the return of live music.
(Credits: Reuters)
Back to normal?
Inside the club, revellers, some with pints in their hands, some simply elated by the music, danced through the night. Many hugged, some kissed, a few wore masks. After rushing to vaccinate its population faster than almost all other European countries, Johnson’s government is betting that England can reopen as fully vaccinated people are less likely to get seriously ill with COVID-19.
(Credits: Reuters)
It’s been so long since...
Artists say the lockdown has been tough. James Cox, the 32-year-old lead singer of Crows, a post-punk band playing at The Oval Space, said the last time he had performed live was on Halloween 2020.
"Before this, I had a bit of apprehension that I was not going to like it because it`s been so long," Cox said. "As soon as I stood on that stage and started soundchecking, I was like: oh yeah I do like this, I do love this, I was like, this is my passion."
(Credits: Reuters)