Large crowds have gathered in Central London's Hyde Park to celebrate unofficial International Weed Day.
Thousands appear to have flocked to the park for the annual celebration on Tuesday afternoon, despite coronavirus restrictions.
The event is recognised by marijuana lovers all around the world to celebrate the use of the Class B drug while campaigners call for its legalisation where it is still illegal.
Gatherings in Hyde Park on April 20, also dubbed 20/4 or 4/20 depending whether you are in the UK or US, are a yearly occurrence for those wanting to observe the holiday, MyLondon reports.
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But this year’s event has been cancelled as a result of the pandemic, with the Met Police informing organisers they will be enforcing on the spot £200 fines.
The force told the Mirror they are aware of the crowds and have a policing plan in place.
"Officers are engaging with those present and encouraging them to comply with current Covid regulations," a statement added.
People have taken to Twitter to share pictures and videos of people having picnics and playing football at the park.
One user criticised them for gathering despite lockdown rules saying: "Imagine going all the way to Hyde Park in a pandemic just to ensure the world knows you smoke. How sad."
A second user added: "Taking a train or driving to London for Hyde Park? cmon respect yourself."
One wrote: "Nice. It's not like there is a deadly PANDEMIC going on" while a second added: "Lockdown 4.0 incoming."
While one Tweeter said he felt "light-headed" just by passing by the crowds of smokers.
What's 420 and when did it start?
The code 420, also seen as 4:20 or 4/20 and pronounced four-twenty, is a code-term for cannabis culture that refers to the consumption of cannabis.
It specifically refers to smoking of it at the time 4:20pm and the day April 20, which is 4/20 in US date form.
It comes from somewhere in San Rafael, California, in the late 70s, as a code the police used for Marijuana Smoking in Progress.
When locals heard the police call, they began to start using the term when referring to Cannabis.
The 'celebration' has now grown, and is marked today with rallies, parties and protests.
People meet to smoke cannabis and advocate for it to be legalised.
