Thousands of people hit the high street in England on the first Saturday since the second national lockdown was lifted.
Hordes of people could be seen filling up town centres in places such as York, Colchester and Bournemouth – as families scouted for deals during their Christmas shop.
Queues formed along London’s Oxford Street as shoppers made the most of the relaxed Covid-19 restrictions under the new tiering system, which came into force on Wednesday.
Joining them was London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who took the time to take selfies with people at the popular shopping destination.
He said: “It’s quite clear speaking to shopkeepers, businesses and those in retail, they’ve had a horrendous nine months, they’re keen to make sure this golden month and this golden quarter they can make up some of the ground lost.
“They’ve seen the collapse of international tourism, the collapse of domestic tourism, and that’s why they really need our support.
“Unless we support our shops we can’t be surprised if, due to a combination of Covid and lack of business, shops close and people lose their jobs.”
But concerns over safety have been raised as crowds gathered outside popular shops and along narrow streets.
Here’s a selection of pictures from London:
Outside Harrods last night. Lockdown 3.0 is coming pic.twitter.com/AMVGckS4Jc
— XOXOJonny? (@xoxo_jonny) December 6, 2020
Can someone please explain to me why the people on the left, on an anti-lockdown protest in Regent Street, are a terrible Covid risk & 150 arrested, while the people on the right doing their Xmas shopping in Regent Street are NOT a risk?
— Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) December 6, 2020
What's the difference? #CovidHypocrisy pic.twitter.com/PUflktPeLT
Seems this was Regent Street yesterday. Don’t think I’ll be in Central London again till I get jabbed. pic.twitter.com/tMJPdIfSPS
— David Hewson (@david_hewson) December 6, 2020
Shoppers made the most of England's first weekend out of lockdown, with dozens heading to London's Oxford Street to pick up Christmas bargains https://t.co/wX9JFUFiME pic.twitter.com/2gz8moYKTo
— ITV News (@itvnews) December 5, 2020
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