New Year: Skegness welcomes 2021 with muted celebrations

Driving through the town just before midnight it seemed that most people had gone to bed and given up on a year that saw a global pandemic force the town's tourism industry to shut its doors on annual festive traditions.

The scene on the seafront was so different to a year ago when pubs, restaurants and clubs were packed and revellers crowded around the the Clock Tower in their hundreds to welcome in the New Year.

This year the seafront businesses were in darkness with the majority of people following government guidelines and staying home to stop the spread of Covid-19.

A few people did turn out at the Clock Tower, however, in spite of the warnings - mainly couples and small groups who were seen scattering into nearby gardens as police patrolled the area on the run-up to midnight.

One couple when asked asked why they had turned out when the country had been asked to stay home replied: "We're out jogging - to get some exercise."

As the Clock Tower struck midnight - a couple of minutes early - fireworks were seen close to the beach and others could be heard across the town.

One of the police cars left the scene with blue lights flashing but Lincolnshire Police later said there had been no incidents reported across the county.

Those who stayed at home found a variety of ways of welcoming in 2021.

Hoggies - how members of the community in Hogsthorpe now like to be known - opened a virtual room on their Facebook page where everyone could pop in and wish friends a 'Happy New Year'.

"Most people on line were able to celebrate it with their family and friends on line but it was nice to be there for those who couldn't or wanted to say hello to new friends made in the village," said Kerry Stafford, one of the volunteer organisers of the group.

"We were able to sing Auld Lang Syne together and I rewrote the words for a special 2021 version."

Others who were due to book in at Butlin's in Skegness which was closed due to Tier 4 restrictions were reminiscing on social media about past holidays and hoping the resort could soon re-open.

Gemma Louise Niles posted on Facebook: "We were booked for the 27th for the six nights. Currently at home feeling lost - don’t know what to do with ourselves as we go every year. Gutted."

Clare Golley said: "We were supposed to be going but rebooked for New Year 2021 Can't wait, really missed our annual Butlins holiday this year."

And Bob Darbyshire said: "Our family would have been in the Jellyfish lounge now having a couple of beers, then tomorrow night in the Lakeside for the New Year’s party."

There was also some excitement about changes rumoured to be taking place at Butlins, including to the Skyline Pavilion.

A spokesman later told the Standard: "We’re excited to be building new all-weather entertainment venues across all three of our resorts for 2021 to continue to deliver the best in live entertainment.

"There are currently no plans to change our Skyline Pavilion."

New Year's Day morning in Skegness started equally quietly, with the annual group swim in the sea being cancelled by Skegness Triathlon Club.

Members still turned out to take the plunge at different times of the day in their social bubbles, including Michyla Clark.

Michyla arrived on the frozen beach at 9am, expecting the sea would be warmer at around 6C.

She said: "It's about celebrating the New Year. We've been in the sea most of this year because we haven't had a lot of access to swimming pools.

"We are so lucky to have this amazing beach and facility. The sun's out for us so why not?"