JUST 10 months ago, life as we knew it changed after the UK went into the first coronavirus lockdown.

Now, we all have a face mask at hand and it feel like a lifetime ago since we could head to the shops without a bottle of hand sanitizer at the ready.

While the pandemic is far from over, vaccines are being rolled out and health secretary, Matt Hancock, said there is “light at the end of the tunnel”.

To give yourself a break from the doom and gloom and also keep your spirits up, here are 10 things that locals can look forward to when lockdown finally ends:

Having a few pints at the pub

After some challenging weeks stuck in the house and homeschooling the kids, I bet a lot of people are missing the pub right now.

However, the day will come when pubs can once again open and you can enjoy a few drinks with friends.

You could even embark on a pub crawl without needing to book in advance.

Worcester News: The Fox and Hounds (Photo:Google Maps)The Fox and Hounds (Photo:Google Maps)

If you want to visit a pub with a bit of culture, why not visit The Cardinal’s Hat which is one of the oldest in the city.

Alternatively, you might be craving a drink and bite to eat at the award-winning Fox and Hounds.

The Euros and Olympics will be back when lockdown eases, meaning we have something to watch with our mates at the pub

Which local pubs will be at the top of your list?

Days out with the kids

By now, it’s likely that your kids are clawing at the walls, desperate to have a day out.

When restrictions ease, you will never complain about a day out at Cheeky Monkeys soft play again.

When lockdown eases, why don’t you make the most of the freedom and take your kids somewhere new?

It might be a little further afield, but the West Midlands Safari Park in Kidderminster could really use your support when lockdown restrictions ease.

 

 

(Twitter/@WestMidSafari)

Going dancing

The pubs were able to reopen, at least for a short time, last year.

However, the same cannot be said for nightclubs which have been forced to close their doors since March of last year.

What we wouldn’t give for a night out in Tramps or Bushwackers now- even if we do regret it the next morning.

Watching a show at the theatre

When lockdown is over, we can all once again enjoy a show at the theatre.

From pantomimes to live music, we will be eager to book it all just so we can get out of the house and get away from  a screen for a while.

Once it opens back up, we will be sure to book as many shows as possible at The Swan Theatre.

(Facebook/ @theswantheatre )

Until then, there are several other ways to support the theatre and keep it running during this tough time; you can sponsor a glass brick or a seat form and get a text of your choice attached to one of the seats.

Watching live football

Football just isn’t the same without seeing the fans in the stands or hearing them cheer when a goal is scored.

Once lockdown restrictions lift, fans can look forward to watching Worcester City play at Victoria Ground

A stress-free holiday

The travel rules since the pandemic have been ever changing and evolving, making many apprehensive about travelling abroad even when they were allowed to.

Many of us can’t wait to jet off on a plane- but we can still dream and start planning the next big holiday.

Until then, we can still book staycations close to our home city with confidence.

Luckily for us, the Malvern Hills are just around the corner for a walking holiday.

For somewhere a little close to home, you could consider staying at this quirky Swedish cottage in Worcester for a glamping getaway this summer.

Running half marathons

After watching Netflix and bingeing food during lockdown, running a marathon might be the last thing on many of our brains.

However, many Worcester runners were disappointed when the Worcester City Runs event  had to be cancelled last year.

Instead, a virtual event took its place when runners were encouraged to run the distances individually, raising money for the event’s charity partner, the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

(Facebook/The Worcester News)

However, event oraganisers are selling tickets to the events this year and the half marathon is currently set to take place on 5th September- hopefully there will be crowds to cheer runners on this time around.

Will you be taking part?

Going to a festival

The coronavirus brought an end to festivals- even local ones.

Sadly, the Worcester Festival was cancelled last year and was replaced with a virtual event.

The event features live music, theatre performance and various workshops all topped off with a firework display.

(Facebook/WorcesterFestival)

Planning for the 2021 event has already commenced and it’s hoped it can run just as it did before covid.

Seeing Santa

Christmas was a very different affair for everyone.

If the kids got to see Santa at all, it was likely from behind a Perspex screen or via a video call.

Last year in Worcester the traditional Christmas light switch on was axed along with the Victorian Christmas Fayre and many other festive events.

When lockdown restrictions ease we can once again resume our normal Christmas traditions.

What are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends? Let us know in the comments.