Freshers’ Week in Newcastle has started more quietly than it usually does amid bars and pubs closing at 10pm under stricter lockdown restrictions.

Although student drinkers were not seen in their usual droves during one of the city’s busiest party periods, groups of young people still came together to have a good time.

Many were seen following the ‘rule of six’ as they had their temperatures taken before entering bars and pubs.

Soho Rooms and Bijoux were popular destinations for last night’s partying.

But, as the night draws to a much earlier close than usual restaurants and bars pack up by 10pm.

The new local lockdown measures came into effect last week and apply to around two million people in north-east England.

Eugene Milne, the authority director of public health, said almost 60% of people who tested positive for the virus from were within the 18-30 age group.

In Newcastle, figures show that the city has an infection rate of 48 per 100,000.

Residents in these areas are banned from socialising in homes or gardens with other households.

Food and drink venues have been restricted to table service only, with leisure and entertainment services required to close between 10pm and 5am.

Due to this, many venues have decided to impose a strict ‘one household limit’ on customers. But what this might mean for the party city which has a night-time economy worth £340 million, is yet to be determined.

The Government also advises those who live in the more tightly restricted areas to avoid non-essential travel on public transport.

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