Earlier this week, Boris Johnson announced that the majority of lockdown restrictions will be eased from 19 July.

Social distancing rules were scrapped, as well as the legal requirement to wear a face mask on public transport and in overcrowded areas.

Nightclubs were also told that they can reopen and pubs were told that they no longer have to continue with table service.

Large events, such as festivals and weddings, are also able to go ahead without a limit of gatherings.

However, he urged the public to adopt a cautious approach as the restrictions start to lift.

The government informed businesses that they can still keep the current covid restrictions in place if they wished.

These are the Covid rules and restrictions lifting in England- but what will it mean for the people of Lancashire?

Some businesses are all for restrictions lifting and can’t want for ‘normality’ to resume.

Many major East Lancashire events are also able to go ahead now- and we can look forward to them in the summer.

However, other businesses have adopted a more cautious approach and will still be encouraging customers to wear face coverings and adopt social distancing measures.

Here’s a brief overview of what lockdown lifting will look like in Lancashire from July 19:

Which nightclubs are reopening?

After months of closure, nightclubs and other music venues will be able to reopen.

Plenty of nightclubs are reopening in East Lancashire.

Ships and Giggles on Hammerton Street, which was formerly MACs nightclub, is currently open as a bar- but Andy has plans to reopen a once-loved nightclub room once restrictions ease.

Andy exclusively revealed that they will be opening the ‘Redroom’ on their top floor- a room which was popular at MACS Burnley before it burned down in 2019.

Ships and Giggles’ Redroom is officially opening on Friday 23 July at 10pm.

Entry to the Redroom will be free until 11pm and £3 between 11 and 12pm; after midnight it’s £5.

Mode Nightclub in Burnley is planning to reopen at the strike of midnight from Sunday (18 July) to Monday (19 July).

The Burnley clubbing scene doesn’t end there as Proj3kt on Hammerton Street said they are ready to “rip up the rules, let loose and party on the dancefloor” from Monday 19 July.

Revival Sports Bar in Bacup is also reopening its dance floor.

Doors will be open at 10pm on Sunday 18th- and the dance floor will be open from midnight.

Rules at pubs, bars and other businesses?

The majority of East Lancashire businesses are glad to be ripping up the Covid rule book.

Entwistle Hotel in Darwen said: “”So after the announcement yesterday by the government we are proud to say that from Monday 19th July normality will resume at your local...

“Just a big thanks to everyone for following all the rules throughout the last few months its been hard and stressful for us all thanks for all your support during these hard times.”

The White Bull in Oswaldtwistle announced they are scrapping all Covid rules from 19 July- but will still ensure the safety of staff and customers.

They said: “We've had time to think about our rules moving forward after Monday 19th July. We want to ensure not only the safety of our staff and customers, but also create that ‘back to normal feeling’ we once had.”

“Face masks will NOT be mandatory, although we will support anyone wishing to continue to wear them.

“Track & Trace will not be mandatory, although we will keep the sign out for anyone wishing to check in.

“Sanitiser will still be available about the Pub & Restaurant and we will encourage all to still sanitise.

“We will continue to use Covid eliminating cleaning products and be extra thorough when cleaning down.”

Café Ri-An in Accrington is celebrating the ease of lockdown with a cheese and wine night.

On social media they said: Now that restrictions will definitely be lifted on the 19th we can't wait to welcome you back on our first restriction free cheese and wine night on the 24th.

“We are getting full now so if you want to come and enjoy our great hospitality please message us soon! Have a great week everyone!”

The Pendle Inn in Burnley said: “We would like to confirm that we will no longer be requiring guests to wear masks - this will be left to guests choice.

“We will no longer have a maximum to a table number so large party bookings are once again welcome. We will be reintroducing pre-orders and the large party menu for these bookings.”

They added that they will be “bringing back the Round App for all guests dining outside.”
“This is purely because we have never functioned at the capacity we can now hold without restrictions. We hope this will take some pressure off our team.

“Be kind to our team, this is going to be a massive shock to our system.”

The Blind Tiger pub in Rawtenstall said they are “going to play each weekend by ear”.

Posting to Facebook, they said: “With restrictions being lifted, we just wanted to let everyone know that we are going to play each weekend by ear.

“We have responded to feedback and we know how most of you prefer the table service and not having to queue at the bar.. so we are going to continue with table service and a mix and you being able to order by the APP, you can bring your dancing shoes.”

Café Autisan in Whalley announced that they will continue to operate as a takeaway, despite all lockdown restrictions ending this month in order to keep some of their autistic customers safe.

They said: : “We have had a lot of questions from our lovely customers over the last few days regarding our intentions to reopen inside.

“Though this may come as some surprise with the 19th of July looming closer, we will be continuing to operate as a takeaway for a little while longer.

“This is because we are not exclusively a café; we also provide support to autistic adults to further their employment skills.

“This means that our top priority is keeping the people we support in our café environment safe. We really appreciate our loyal and understanding customers and are proud to be part of such a caring and compassionate community!”

Burnley Leisure Centre is also adopting a more cautious approach.

They are encouraging our members to continue wearing face coverings within the buildings and to and from activities/bistro seating.

Staff will continue to wear face coverings and have a lateral flow test twice a week across venues.

A heightened cleaning regime will also remain in place and table service will resume at hospitality venues.

However, spin studios and changing areas are now open.

Which wedding venues shall I visit?

There will no longer be limits of social contact, meaning the current rule of six indoors and 30 outdoors will be scrapped.

This means that large events, such as weddings, can run at full capacity.

There are plenty of gorgeous venues to choose from in East Lancashire- and we will undoubtedly see an increase in weddings and receptions taking place at them when restrictions ease.

The Fence Gate in Burnley has been busy improving its outdoor space for weddings.

They said: “we've loved seeing this gorgeous garden full of wedding guests and the happy couple enjoying their special day with us! Call our team to book a venue visit for your big day.”

If you are looking for a woodland wedding, then Brownsholme Hall and The Tithe Barn in Clitheroe is open for bookings.

Any events taking place?

During lockdown, several big events and festivals had to be cancelled.

However, with relaxed rules and restrictions many have been allowed to return.

Here are some of the East Lancashire festivals and events still taking place this summer:

Rossendale Art Festival- Entire month of August

Comedy at the Rovers- 24 July

Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show - Friday, July 30 to Sunday, August 1

Cloudspotting Festival- July 23-25

Retro in The Park- 28 August

Are you looking forward to lockdown lifting?