Night owls came to Nottingham for a more subdued “Mad Friday” than usual.
“Mad Friday” – or “Black-Eye Friday” – is traditionally the night when most businesses close for Christmas. It has been known to usually cause a mad rush to hit bars and clubs.
However, on the cold streets of Nottingham last night (Friday 17th December) it had the hallmarks of an average Friday night.
Whether this was due to nervousness about the continued spread of Omicron or perhaps due to student brain drain before the holidays is difficult to say.
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What was certain was that many of the otherwise busy streets were half empty around 8 p.m. It didn’t mean there was no activity, abandoned sections were often punctuated by drunken screeches and a low cackle in the air.
This is compared to busy scenes in other parts of the country last night.
Many gathered around Nottingham’s Christmas market, but the city’s door staff in bars and pubs shared a silence.
“We expected it to be busier since Christmas and we thought there would be more office parties,” said Rich Poot, who works at Bodega.
“There are usually a few more groups out there. Though it’s a bit of a relief because we get a little bit of trouble sometimes. People have a drink and it can be stressful at times.”
His thoughts were repeated by a doorman at neighboring Faraday’s.
Jenny Williams said she expected it to be “busier” too, admitting that she would prefer it that way. “Otherwise it takes a little longer,” she added.
One student who wanted to remain anonymous said she believed it was a combination of Omicron fears and student leaving.
Bodega in Nottingham
She said, “I think it’s a lot quieter because people don’t want to [get covid and] Miss Christmas. “
As the night progressed, the crowds increased, resulting in a lively but low-key and certainly not crazy Friday.
On “Mad Friday”, the public was also exposed en masse to the latest Covid measures, which came into effect as part of Boris Johnson’s “Plan B” to contain a “tidal wave” of Omicron cases.
This includes the requirement for club attendees to present either a negative lateral flow test result or proof of vaccination as an entry requirement for most venues.
Nottinghamshire Police Department Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin said that while there was a visible police presence in the city center on Friday and throughout the weekend, it is the “responsibility” of the venues to oversee these new rules.
Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live, he said, “We have a really good plan, a plan that works and only has a lot of officials in the city center.
“One of the differences this weekend, following the announcement of the new regulations, is that the rules regarding people entering venues have changed.
“It is important to make it clear that it is the responsibility of the venue to have a responsible person to take care of it. They serve as an additional entry requirement.
“It is not the job of the police to enforce these regulations, but we are in town and working closely with these venues. If these venues need any assistance or assistance, we’re here to help.
“I want to repeat and tell people, yes, have fun but stay safe. It is very well monitored and you will see a lot of cops in and around the city center.”
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