THIS was the scene in Newcastle as thousands descended on the city centre for the first weekend of non-essential retail.
The city was packed with eager shoppers as queues formed outside the countless stores that had remained closed since January.
On Northumberland Street, masses of shoppers were pictured with their hands full of bags from the likes of Fenwick, JD Sports and Primark.
Police and enforcement officers were on patrol across the city to help manage the large crowds as these pictures showed from Saturday.
Scenes were replicated at Grey's Monument as extraordinarily long queues were also formed outside the many fashion venues along Grainger Street.
The weekend marked the first since non-essential retail was allowed to reopen following the third national lockdown.
On Monday, April 12, non-essential shops and outdoor food and drink venues were once again permitted to trade across England.
Busy scenes at the weekend were matched across the UK with towns and cities seeing a boom in visitors.
The weekend also saw the return of outdoor markets as Newcastle's Quayside was transformed with gazebos and stalls.
Scenes on Sunday captured hundreds of revelers trying out a range, from homemade cakes to impressive paintworks done by local artists.
Later on in the day just along the River Tyne, this Sunday Market in North Tyneside was buzzing with action.
Held at Tynemouth's Metro Station, the market saw thousands attend throughout the day as stalls reopened.
The easing of restrictions on outdoor activities mark the completion of the second step of the Government's roadmap out of national restrictions.
On May 17, providing the roadmap continues as planned, indoor mixing will be allowed to return - which will see food and drink venues reopen their doors inside.
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