Clubbers were queuing outside Nottingham nightclubs on Sunday evening before the grand reopening on Monday 19 July.
Nottingham’s nightlife has been revitalized for the first time in over a year, at least for some venues, as clubs have been completely closed since the first lockdown in March last year.
Most of the legal restrictions, including social distancing and masks, were lifted at midnight on Monday, July 19.
Clubbers didn’t need time to unpack venues like Rock City and queued in the hours before midnight on Sunday.
A video from the scene shows a large queue outside the popular venue on Talbot Street.
Freedom Day continues to rise despite cases in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and the rest of the country in general.
The infection rates in the city and in the county are currently above the English average.
Health officials have therefore urged everyone, especially younger people, to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to test themselves regularly before and after visiting a venue such as a club.
Rock City says that while the mask requirement is no longer in effect, staff will continue to do so, but stressed that the Covid passport system will not be adopted for entry.
A walk-up and payment system has been set up again at the venue and normal bar service is available again, but contactless payment is recommended.
A cautious and careful approach to return to normal was recommended.
Adam Wood, Senior Promotions Manager at Rock City, told Nottinghamshire Live, “Wow what an opening night.
“Given the huge demand for venues, we opened as soon as possible and were sold out from 12:01 am to 5:00 am. What a night.
“We were very happy with the way all of our customers behaved that evening, people had the time of their lives and still showed respect for each other, which was great to see.
“In advance, we have urged customers to perform lateral flow tests and not to report if they have had symptoms of Covid, and we will continue to encourage customers to follow this advice.
“Internally, we are keeping things like additional door guards, customer hand disinfectants and tightened cleaning programs in place for the future, and we will continue to do thorough cleanings on a regular basis.
“We want to be here and have a great (and safe) night for everyone who has been waiting for this, and that is exactly what happened last night under current government guidance!”