Are garden parties allowed in lockdown?

The UK is to enjoy a sun-soaked week starting from today, bank holiday Monday.

And while people are now allowed to sunbathe or partake in unlimited amounts of exercise, there are still severe restrictions in place across the country, prohibiting people from socialising, going on holiday, or hitting their local boozer.

In England, people are permitted to meet one person outside of their household in a public space. But what are the rules around garden parties?

Are garden parties allowed?

Garden parties are currently against lockdown rules, as people are only allowed to meet in a public space.

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Speaking on BBC Breakfast on May 11 about whether or not people can meet family members in their driveway or garden, Health Secretary Dominic Raab said: ‘Moving forward, we are not moving to a stage that we say households can mix inside the home.’

Moreover, mass gatherings of more than two people are still banned, so parties are still strictly out of the question.

During the VE Day bank holiday, some people planned alternative celebrations by sitting in their front gardens and encouraging their neighbours to do the same.

Providing you are in your own garden, and two metres apart from anyone else, this is permitted.

When will garden parties be allowed?

While outdoor soirees are currently off the cards, there’s good news ahead, as garden parties could be allowed from next month.

Boris Johnson is planning to ease restrictions on outdoor activities, with National Trust parks set to reopen their services to the public as long as indoor attractions remain shut, according to reports.

Guidance is soon to be released which will reveal which non-essential shops and attractions can re-open from June 1.

It is understood the PM is keen to reinstate open-air events as the risk of transmitting the virus is lower outdoors.

A senior Government source is quoted in The Sun as saying: ‘It is clear from the scientific evidence that the rate of infection is much less likely outdoors. The combination of fresh air and sunshine are bad for the virus but they make it safer for everyone.

‘So we are looking at opening up the outdoors. But all done in slow steps.’

The PM will set out the next phase of lifting measures when he addresses the public during a Downing Street press briefing on Thursday.

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