London clubbers flocked to one of the first rule-free live music events since the pandemic began last year, dancing through the night and rejoicing in human interaction as England lifted most Covid-19 restrictions at midnight.

"I have not been allowed to dance for like what seems like forever," said Georgia Pike, 31, at the Oval Space in Hackney, east London. "I want to dance, I want to hear live music, I want the vibe of being at a gig, of being around other people."

Besides the zest for fun, though, there was also clear concern about a wave of new cases — more than 50,000 per day across the United Kingdom.

"I am so excited — but it's mixed with the sense of impending doom," said Gary Cartmill, 26, outside the "00:01" event which was organised to celebrate the return of live music.

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