The long awaited D-Day, or Drinks Day, has finally arrived.
As the clocks struck midnight, barely seconds into the early hours of Monday morning, pubs and clubs in Newcastle welcomed the public back indoors.
Having seen huge success with the previous midnight opening, when restrictions were lifted in April, the popular bar Switch was among the first to open its doors.
A relatively quiet Sunday night meant small queues, and those in the beer garden quickly drifted inside when they noticed others being allowed in.
Excitement grew as they entered the bar and embraced the welcoming party atmosphere.
The scene varied among other venues reopening at midnight, with Powerhouse and The Pink Room seeing long socially-distanced queues leading up to their entrance.
Though fully booked and strict on entry times, they welcomed walk-ins so long as there was a table available.
Strobe lights, an impressive illuminated DJ stage and plenty of disco decor awaited clubbers as they explored the winding corridors to the main room.
Everyone was of high spirits, and basking in the surreal joy of finally being able to go indoors with their friends.
There was certainly a carnival atmosphere akin to a miniature new year’s countdown.
The bars reopening marked an important milestone for many people who were counting down to this second easing of lockdown restrictions.
