2021 began with schools beginning to reopen but most other pandemic restrictions remaining in place.
And it wasn’t until April that the first signs of ‘normal’ life began to show.
On April 5 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, gyms and non-essential shops could reopen from April 12.
And as our photos saw, many people took the opportunity to take the first surreal step back to a bit of normality after a long winter.
9. Lockdown restrictions relaxed, April 2021
3-1-5 Health Club hosted an outdoor exercise class in Lancaster as lockdown rules were relaxed in England. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
10. Lockdown restrictions relaxed, April 2021
Visitors to Morecambe beach make the most of some April sunshine after lockdown restrictions are relaxed in 2021. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
11. Lockdown restrictions relaxed, April 2021
Cafe life in Lancaster following the relaxing of lockdown rules. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
12. Lockdown restrictions relaxed, April 2021
Life slowly returning to normal for shoppers in Lancaster as lockdown rules are relaxed. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard