Busy London streets as shoppers flock post-lockdown in England

The UK capital is now classified as Tier 2, meaning non-essential shops can reopen

Shoppers, some wearing face masks, walk along a busy Oxford Street in London, England, on December 5, 2020. Getty Images

London has returned to Tier 2 or 'high alert' coronavirus restrictions since the end of the four-week, England-wide lockdown last Wednesday, which means meaning a reopening of non-essential shops and hospitality businesses. Getty Images

Crowds of people listen to a busker in Covent Garden on December 5, 2020 in London, England. Getty Images

Residents in Tier 2 areas can socialise with anyone they live with or who is in their support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place. Outdoors they must observe the rule of six. Getty Images

Crowds in central London on Saturday, December 5. Getty Images

Crowds have gathered on the streets of London on the first weekend since the end of England's four-week lockdown on Wednesday. Some shoppers could be seen wearing face masks, as others chose to go without.

The British capital is now classified as Tier 2, or "high alert" in new coronavirus restrictions. Under the new tier, non-essential shops are allowed to reopen. It is hoped the move will improve a dismal year for the retail sector, with bumper sales in the run-up to Christmas.

Mixing of households outside support bubbles remains banned under the guidelines, although individuals can meet in groups of six outside.

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It is hoped that the opening of non-essential stores will give the retail sector a boost. On Saturday, December 5, London's Oxford Street and Regent Street were both packed with Christmas shoppers.

It has been a challenging year for retail. Last week, Debenhams launched a 70 per cent sale to shift remaining stock after announcing on Tuesday that all of its 124 UK stores are to close.

The collapse of Debenhams put the jobs of 12,000 employees at risk, a day after Philip Green's Arcadia fashion group entered administration, threatening about 13,000 jobs.