Nine pictures from Southsea seafront as visitors enjoy first sunny Saturday since lockdown eased

PEOPLE have been enjoying the first weekend since lockdown restrictions were eased by taking in the good weather by the sea.
Barry and Linda Minchin, of Horndean, enjoying the sun on Southsea beach on April 17. Picture by Steve DeeksBarry and Linda Minchin, of Horndean, enjoying the sun on Southsea beach on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks
Barry and Linda Minchin, of Horndean, enjoying the sun on Southsea beach on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks

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.

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Many 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, was enjoying the seaside in Southsea on April 17 with her nieces Amy and Evelyn Byrne, aged seven and six. Picture by Steve DeeksJackie Kuczmyjiw, 41, was enjoying the seaside in Southsea on April 17 with her nieces Amy and Evelyn Byrne, aged seven and six. Picture by Steve Deeks
Jackie Kuczmyjiw, 41, was enjoying the seaside in Southsea on April 17 with her nieces Amy and Evelyn Byrne, aged seven and six. Picture by Steve Deeks

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.

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‘I’ve been shielding so it’s nice to get some vitamin D. Everyone is social distancing so I feel safe.’

Jade Short, 25 and one year old daughter Rubie visiting Southsea on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks.Jade Short, 25 and one year old daughter Rubie visiting Southsea on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks.
Jade Short, 25 and one year old daughter Rubie visiting Southsea on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks.
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Others 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 Love Southsea market in Palmeston Road on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks. The Love Southsea market in Palmeston Road on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks.
The Love Southsea market in Palmeston Road on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks.

The pair were enjoying the sunshine with an ice cream.

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The 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.

Fun at the seaside in Southsea on April 17. Picture by Steve DeeksFun at the seaside in Southsea on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks
Fun at the seaside in Southsea on April 17. Picture by Steve Deeks

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.’

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Further 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.

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