Police break up huge party at Christmas market in Nottingham as crowds dance to music with very little social distancing
Police were forced to intervene after a huge party erupted at a Nottingham Christmas market on Saturday night.
Vast swathes of rule-breaking revellers gathered as the city's legally-permitted festive street market descended into chaos.
Partygoers were seen outside Nottingham's city hall, jumping up and down and raising their arms in the air as music blared.
A man wheeling a bike with two massive speakers mounted to the sides was seen speaking to officers in the clip.
Footage also showed a van and several uniformed police dotted about in the heart of city - which fell into Tier Three after the nation-wide lockdown was lifted this week.
Under the new rules, outdoor market stalls are permitted to keep trading but they must comply with national guidance.
Police were forced to intervene after a huge party erupted at a Nottingham Christmas market on Saturday night
Outdoor market stalls are permitted to keep trading in Tier Three but they must comply with national guidance
Vast swathes of rule-breaking revellers gathered together after the city's legally-permitted festive street market descended into chaos
The guidance states that all traders must wear face coverings and hand sanitiser should be provided at every stall.
Nottingham's Christmas market operates a one-way system for shoppers and alcohol is not sold to prevent any merry visitors breaking the rules.
The number of people in the market can be capped if necessary and a staggered entry system is in operation.
A man wheeling a bike with two massive speakers mounted to the sides can be seen speaking to officers in the clip
Footage also shows a van and several uniformed police dotted about (two pictured) in the heart of city - which fell into Tier Three after the nation-wide lockdown was lifted this week
Nottingham's Christmas market (police at the market, pictured) operates a one-way system for shoppers
It is not known if anyone was arrested at the Christmas market today. Pictured: Footage shows a party at the market
A man with a bike was seen leaving the impromptu party on Saturday. Two large speakers were strapped to his bike
Huge crowds of mask-free revellers were seen gathered in Nottingham city centre on Saturday
The 10am to 9pm market opened its doors on December 5 and will remain open until Christmas eve.
But locals have mixed views on whether the market should go ahead this year - especially as the city has been put into the harshest lockdown tier in the Government's new system.
One local took to Twitter to share a picture of the huge crowds at the market with the caption: 'Clumber Street, Nottingham today and we are in Tier Three.
'It will be a miracle if we don't have another huge increase in Covid cases.'
Locals have mixed views on whether the market should go ahead this year - especially as the city has been put into the harshest lockdown tier in the Government's new system
It was yesterday revealed that Christmas market-goers in Nottingham will see armed police around the city centre as the force steps up patrols for the festive season. Pictured: Police at the market on Saturday
The UK today reported a further 15,539 Covid-19 cases. Of those, 252 were recorded in Nottinghamshire with 96 in Nottingham itself. Pictured: Police at the Nottingham Christmas market on Saturday
Three women pose for pictures at the Nottingham Christmas market on Saturday night
Melissa Chloe also shared pictures of the crowds and wrote: 'How on earth is Nottingham Christmas Market allowed to go ahead like this, but hospitality venues still not allowed to open with sensible protocols in place?'
Ruth Raven added: 'Nottingham is in Tier Three. Just a short drive from where I live. These are the official rules.
'How on earth can the Christmas market be within these rules. It is an absolute farce.'
The UK today reported a further 15,539 Covid-19 cases. Of those, 252 were recorded in Nottinghamshire with 96 in Nottingham itself.
Locals had mixed views on whether the market should go ahead this year - especially as the city has been put into the harshest lockdown tier in the Government's new system
It was yesterday revealed that Christmas market visitors in Nottingham will see armed police around the city centre as the force steps up patrols for the festive season.
Officers - both uniformed and plain-clothed - will be out and about to tackle crime.
The force said this spike in police presence is normal around Christmas time.
It is not known if anyone was arrested at the Christmas market today.
Nottinghamshire police has been approached for comment.
A Nottingham City Council spokesman told Nottinghamshire Live: 'Nottingham's Covid rates have fallen dramatically in recent weeks precisely because of the ongoing efforts of those who live and work in our fantastic city.
'This year has been so hard for everyone, and we know Christmas – usually such a social and family-orientated period – unfortunately, isn't going to be the same in 2020.'