And… we’re back.
After the successful reopening of York’s shops, today it was the turn of theatres, cinemas and other attractions.
Plus it was a chance for pubs and restaurants to serve people indoors again. Imagine that – a pint out of the rain!
At YorkMix we’ve been liveblogging the reopening all day. Read the full live blog here.
Meanwhile, let us give you a flavour of what was happening in York city centre as the lockdown eased still further.
Indoor drinking and dining
Imagine the luxury. A pint of beer – in the warm and dry. A chef-prepared meal – indoors.
While some pubs, bars and restaurants have been operating takeaways and outdoor dining for a while, for many York venues it was their first chance to throw open their doors in months.
Andrew Lowson, executive director of the York BID (Business Improvement District), said it was a big moment. “I think everyone’s excited,” he said. “Hospitality, it makes a big difference for them being able to actually have their indoor facilities open – because much as we like to do al fresco in this country, and we’ve embraced it more, as we know the British weather isn’t always conducive to that.
More pictures here.
York’s newest attraction is open
It was ready to open months ago. But today, York’s newest attraction, The Hole In Wand, finally got to welcome its first proper players.
Combining nine holes of fun family golf, all with a wizardy twist, with a café, the venue is new for the Coppergate Centre.
York Town Crier Ben Fry declared it officially open. Pippa Unwin, manager at the Coppergate Centre, said: “It could not be more fabulous. It’s amazing. It’s something unique in the city, and it’s quite unique in the whole of the North of England.
“It’s across from Jorvik so the two of them work really well hand-in-hand.”
‘Boris’ in town
Boris Johnson – or someone who looked a lot like him – was on hand to reopen the York Dungeon today.
The PM-alike snipped a ribbon outside the Clifford Street attraction, as it welcomed back fun-and-fright seekers.
Live theatre’s back
York Theatre Royal reopened for indoor live performances this evening.
It’s first show – Love Bites – is sold out, which is a very good sign. There are lots of safety measures in place, including socially distanced seating – you can read all the details here.
Chief executive of York Theatre Royal Tom Bird told Ben and Laura on YorkMix Radio how he felt as curtain up finally approached.
“It’s quite emotional, to be honest. We’re giddy, we’re so excited. We’re a little bit nervous.
“It’s been tough on everyone. It’s been really tough on theatres, because it was immediately clear that lockdowns and the restrictions were going to be difficult for us, but we’re just over over the moon to be back.”