What’s happening on May 17th? Everything you need to know.
Brits have braved the unusually cold weather throughout April and the beginning of May as pubs and restaurants reopened with outdoor seating only. Shoppers got to enjoy the luxury of visiting in-store again while friends and family are allowed to meet up in groups of six or two households.
However, this is all set to change *hopefully* on May 17th as the next easing of restrictions come into play.
The government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible
So what does this mean for Canterbury?
We will be allowed indoors again
No more searching for beer gardens with heaters, hurrah! But if you still want to sit outside that’s okay because there are loads of places in Canterbury that have outdoor heating if the weather is still a little cold. Indoors though, the rule of six and two households will still apply.
This will be the perfect time for date nights and treating the family to a long awaited meal where you don’t have to be padded up head to toe just to enjoy some pasta or a cheeky cocktail.
Places like The Refectory in Canterbury will be opening up for indoor dining, so grab a bagel or coffee during your lunch break and take in the feeling of sitting inside once more.
Favourite local pubs such as The Thomas Ingoldsby and The Bell and Crown are set to open their doors and welcome punters back to the bars. The hospitality industry will need a lot of love, having been one of the most affected industries throughout the pandemic.
Gatherings over 30 will be illegal
Outside you won’t have to limit yourself to meeting up with your five favourite friends anymore, which is good news for those looking to enjoy birthdays and long awaited celebrations.
Hospitality venues are now allowed to serve people outdoors. You don’t need to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks, but you must order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’).
To learn what else has changed please visit https://t.co/hd8zoS12P0 pic.twitter.com/SlCKRPpwxz
— GOV.UK (@GOVUK) April 28, 2021
On the official Government website, it’s stated: “The government will look to continue easing limits on seeing friends and family wherever possible, allowing people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.”
You can book some tables at The Bishop’s Finger or meet up with your university course for some sun in the Dane John Gardens.
‘Significant life events’ such as weddings will be allowed to have up to 30 people when the new rules come into force.
Cinemas and theatres will return
It’s been a long time since we got to appreciate a good Tango Ice Blast and overpriced popcorn but thankfully cinemas and theatres will be making their grand returns to social life in England.
Many people were devastated over the cancellation of their favourite pantomimes last year and other performances that couldn’t go ahead. However, The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury has something spectacular in store for their reopening show.
Don’t lose your head! The @sixthemusical UK & Ireland Tour Queens have just been announced! ?
We’re so excited to welcome these #Queens onto our stage – who’s joining us for the royal coronation?! ?? #SIX
Tue 8 – Sun 27 Jun 2021
Tickets here ? https://t.co/Gb0ejBj6hH pic.twitter.com/YuD1C9Mtpj— The Marlowe Theatre (@marlowetheatre) April 26, 2021
Not only that, residents in Canterbury will have the opportunity to sit back and relax at The Curzon. Whether you fancy a horror – The Conjuring 3 will be premiering at the end of this month, or a Disney backstory (Cruella, played by the talented Emma Stone), you will be able to enjoy the full cinematic experience towards the end of the month.
No more online streaming for those of you that are tired of being stuck indoors!
Overnight stays
Know someone you haven’t seen for a while or been separated from your partner who lives somewhere else? Well, you can now look forward to not only seeing them but being able to spend the night or two (maybe streaming some films isn’t such a bad idea after all).
Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have plenty of opportunities and places to celebrate with the option of going back to theirs, or they can go back to yours! Exciting times for couples and friends who haven’t seen each other in months.
Indoor sport is back
For the sporty lot among you, you’ll be able to carry on with your hobbies indoors after the 17th.
Whether it’s swimming, netball, dance or tennis, many Kent facilities will be back in full force this spring.
Kent Sport, The Appeti Indoor Tennis Centre and Kingsmead Leisure centre, to name a few, will be ready for you this month.
Outdoor entertainment is back
Under the new guidelines, performances and any form of outdoor entertainment will be allowed to resume in the third instalment of the easing of lockdown.
Chatham Vineyard will be hosting an art exhibition on the 22nd May and a major exhibition about saint Thomas Becket will go ahead on the 29th May.
If they don’t take your fancy, keep your eyes peeled on the Visit Canterbury website who have been inundated with new events for when we are allowed to attend!
The Martyrdom is the site where, in 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered after King Henry II is said to have exclaimed ‘Who will rid me of this low born priest?’ ⛪
What are you most looking forward to seeing when we reopen on May 17?
Tickets ?️ https://t.co/pOyegmHIpm pic.twitter.com/iblzQ3mk6l
— Canterbury Cathedral (@No1Cathedral) May 5, 2021
Hotels will open and tourism will be allowed
One of the words of the year for 2020 was ‘staycation’ and this trend looks set to continue into 2021 amid the uncertainty of international travel.
However, this gives Brits a chance to discover the places on their doorstep.
The Abode in Canterbury will be taking customers again with their quality hotel services while smaller B&B’s like The Coach House can resume business as normal, welcoming those looking for a quiet little getaway in the city.
Of course, the Cathedral will once again be a tourist hotspot, but for local tourists this time around.
