Nine pictures from Southsea seafront as visitors enjoy first sunny Saturday since lockdown eased
Southsea seafront was busy today with families keen to make the most of the last weekend of the Easter school holidays – and make the most of the sunny weather.
Friends and families were meeting up for the first time in months after restrictions were relaxed on Monday allowing six people or two households to meet up outdoors.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMany other people were making the most of outdoor seating areas at pubs, restaurants and cafes, and the funfair, that were all allowed to reopen again after four months on Monday.
Jackie Kuczmyjiw, 41, from Portsmouth, was enjoying the seaside in Southsea with her nieces Amy and Evelyn Byrne, aged seven and six.
‘It’s lovely to be out in the fresh air and sun with my nieces again,’ Jackie said.
‘I’ve been shielding so it’s nice to get some vitamin D. Everyone is social distancing so I feel safe.’
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOthers had come from a little further afield to make the most of the coast.
Barry and Linda Minchin, of Horndean, were enjoying the sun on Southsea beach.
‘We come here every week rain or shine. It’s beautiful and there’s always something different to look at,’ the couple, aged 72 and 68 respectively, said.
While Jade Short from Farnborough had come to visit the beach with her one year old daughter Rubie.
The pair were enjoying the sunshine with an ice cream.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe 25-year-old said: ‘We are having such a nice time visiting Southsea. It’s lovely.’
As well as the rides on Clarence Pier, the crazy golf reopened on Monday as did Southsea Model Village.
Mark Wilson, from Southsea Model Village, said: ‘It has been fantastic. It is lovely to see people out and about again.
‘It is great. The response has been brilliant, we couldn't have asked for more. We have had our tables and chairs out, and people have been enjoying sitting here and having a drink.
‘It is nice to see people again.’
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFurther into Southsea, the Love Southsea market returned to Palmerston Road precinct, drawing crowds of shoppers to its scores of stalls which showcase the creative talent of Portsmouth.
A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron
You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, for 27p a day.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.