AFTER more than three months, yesterday marked the first time two households could meet together as a group outdoors - and many people took to the seafront to enjoy reunions in the glorious sunshine.
The easing of national lockdown restrictions means groups of up to six people or two households can now meet outside, including in private gardens.
Sussex was placed under Tier 4 restrictions on Boxing Day last year, and national lockdown followed on January 4.
Yesterday many families and groups of friends took the opportunity to finally meet each other on the seafront in Hove and make the most of the spring weather.
Sally Becker, 58, enjoyed a surprise birthday party with a picnic outside a beach hut with her daughter Billie and some old friends.
She said: “It was sort of a surprise - I just thought we were going to be walking along the promenade.
"It’s our first social event for a very long time.”
Her daughter Billie said: “It’s been so long since we’ve been able to do anything and we could not have asked for a better day.
“It’s just so nice to feel normal again.”
Sally and Billie were celebrating with friends Coral Dulieu and Blake Nari. Blake, from Hove, normally lives and studies in Hong Kong, but has been in the UK for the past three months.
He said: “I’ve been here since Christmas as they banned flights.
“I’ve just found out they’ve lifted that ban too, so we’ve got lots to celebrate.
"It's been a dark few months but finally the weather is changing."
Following the first stage of the vaccine roll-out, the easing of restrictions also marks a turning point for different generations being able to see each other safely again outside.
Hove residents Tom and Natasha were on the seafront enjoying an ice cream alongside Natasha's mother Jenny and their three-year-old daughter Livvy.
Natasha said: "I've had my first vaccination now so that is a great relief.
"We live close to each other and have only been able to see family outdoors but the loosening of the rules does still feel like a big change.
"Six people in a garden is definitely a reason to celebrate."
Tom, 42, said: "I've only seen my own mum from the garden waving these past few months.
"Today is the first time we've opened up the beach hut. It's just lovely to be here together and the weather has certainly changed."
Richard Bidwell, who runs the Lawns Cafe on Hove seafront, was out taking a break in the sunshine.
He said: "I'm down here a lot of course because of my business, but for some people it's the first time they've been out for a while.
"This dry weather has brought a lot of people out along the promenade for a pit stop.
"We've been able to stay open the whole time for takeaway, which makes us a lot luckier than some."
As of today, the government's “stay at home” rule has come to an end, replaced with "stay local", but many restrictions remain in place.
People should minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times, while those who can work from home must continue to do so.
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis courts and open air swimming pools can reopen, and people can take part in organised sports outdoors.
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