Family holds Christmas dinner celebrations on Brighton beach

Alex Taylor, 44, and John Sharman, 56, were joined by four other family members in a tent decked out with all the trappings of the festive period.

The married wedding planners sat by a mountain of presents placed underneath a faux Christmas tree as the group pulled crackers.

Alex Taylor and John Sharman were joined by four other family members in a tent on Brighton beach

The family ate pigs in blankets, which had been stored in the freezer for more than three months, as beachgoers passing by wished the group a “merry Christmas”.

Mr Sharman said: “We were all on our own for Christmas Day and the rules changed on Boxing Day.

“So we thought would we would have to do it in the spring when the rules are relaxed.”

The April Christmas party began with a bottle of prosecco before the family tucked into some delicious gammon and turkey.

Alex Taylor and John Sharman were joined by four other family members in a tent on Brighton beach

In true British Christmas fashion, the day saw overcast weather with sporadic rain showers and a stiff wind.

But water leaking into the tent did not dampen the festivities, with the group eating a seasonal dinner before exchanging gifts.

Among the presents was a chocolate reindeer figure, which, the family admitted, “might have gone a bit white”.

“People have been waving and saying happy Christmas – it’s great fun,” Mr Sharman added.

From 12.01am on Boxing Day last year, residents across the South East were told to stay at home.

Since then, the country entered a period of national lockdown before rules were relaxed to allow groups of six to meet outside.

More restrictions are relaxed today, allowing non-essential retail to return once more.

Mr Taylor said: “Monday is the day wedding businesses can come back, so this is our last free weekend.

“This was the day, come rain or shine.”