LOCKDOWN RULES were relaxed last week and pubs and restaurants can now open for outdoor dining.

People can also meet up in outdoor areas or gardens as long as they are following the rule of six.

Currently, more that 43,000,000 coronavirus vaccinations have been given out in the United Kingdom which has been a large contributor to the fall in hospitalisations and deaths as a result of the virus.

While many of us are thankful for our new found freedom there are still some steps left to complete in Boris Johnson’s roadmap to ease lockdown.

Here’s everything you need to know about step May 17 lockdown easing and some things you will be able to do in Bolton:

What restrictions are set to ease on May 17?

Meeting family and friends

According to the Gov.uk website, step three of the lockdown roadmap will focus on easing the limits of seeing friends and family as much as possible.

Currently, people can only meet others outside as a group of six or in two households of any size.

If lockdown restrictions are allowed to ease, 17 May will allow people to decide on the appropriate level of risk for their circumstances.

Most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted- as long as people don’t gather in groups of more than 30.

Indoors, the rule of six or two households will apply but this will be under constant review.

Can I hug my relatives?

The government may also update their guidelines on hugging family members- but the details are currently unconfirmed.

The government says that, no later than Step 3, it will "update the advice on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging.

"Until this point, people should continue to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble."

Can I sit inside a pub or restaurant?

Most businesses will be able to open- apart from those in the highest risk sectors.

Indoor hospitality will be able to reopen, meaning you can enjoy a pint or meal without fear of being rained on.

However, you will still have to remain seated while you are being served.

Can I watch live performances and sport?

Some larger performances and sporting events at indoor venues will be allowed.

However, they can only have crowds of up to 1000 people (or be at half capacity- whichever figure is hit first).

However, outdoor venues will be able to hold upto 4000 people ((or be at half capacity- whichever figure is hit first).

In the largest outdoor seated venues, where crowds can be spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).

Other indoor entertainment, such as cinemas and children’s play areas will also be able to reopen.

Are weddings back on?

Many couples have had to postpone their wedding until the world reopened.

If all goes to plan, up to 30 people will be able to attend weddings, receptions,  wakes, as well as funerals.

Can I go on holiday?

We still won’t be able to go abroad- but staycations in England are back right now.

However, this is limited to self-contained accommodation such as holiday parks, campsites and holiday cottages.

However, May 17 is the earliest date that hotels and B&Bs could reopen- so fingers crossed coronavirus rates remain low.

What does this mean for the people of Bolton?

If you live in Bolton, you will be able to do so many more things if lockdown restrictions ease next month.

Spice Valley Restaurant in Horwich is just one local eatery getting ready for their 17th May grand reopening.

(Facebook/@SpiceValleyRestaurant )

If you are tired of sitting outside your local boozer and want to get back inside for a pint, Bolton’s oldest pub will be reopening on May 17.

Ye Olde Man & Scythe posted the following to their Facebook page: “At last the Government have given us a date, MAY17TH!

“ Get it in your diary, book the day off work & get down to say hello to us all at Ye Olde Man & Scythe. We have missed you too.

“Unfortunately no under 18's or dogs will be allowed in the pub until further notice , so get yourself a sitter ,you deserve it.”

Running out of activities to try with the kids? Hold out until the 17th as Air Vault Inflatable and Trampoline Park are accepting bookings from 17 May onwards.

In lockdown they have even added a new airbag and jump tower and all new redecorated cafe area.

If you are looking for a dreamy local venue to host a May wedding, The Well Being Farm in Edgworth is the ideal venue.


Posting to Facebook they wrote: “The beauty of our wedding barn (aside from the obvious!) is that it can be the perfect blank canvas for your event. Whether you want a pastel, festival or autumnal theme you can do it all with us”

The pandemic brought the world to a standstill and many events, gigs and concerts had to be cancelled or rescheduled last year.

However, lockdown restrictions are gradually easing and live music and theatre will return in May, but only “if strict conditions are met”.

However, we are able to attend live events just down the road in Bury.

Yesterday (22 April), The Met on Market Street, Bury announced plans for shows with live audiences in May, in line with the current government roadmap out of lockdown. 

The opening programme of socially distanced gigs kicks off with BBC Folk Awards Best Duo nominees, Belshazzer’s Feast on Thursday 27 May.  

If you want to see a full list of scheduled shows at The Met and even book one for yourself, visit the following website: https://themet.org.uk/whats-on/.