Party-goers queued up for hours to celebrate the re-opening of a popular London nightclub as the clock struck midnight on ‘Freedom day’.

Midnight on July 19, 2021, marked the end of all lockdown restrictions in the UK which includes the re-opening of nightclubs up and down the country.

Popular night spot G-A-Y Heaven in Charing Cross, was absolutely packed out with an emotional atmosphere as a countdown to midnight began.

As the clock struck midnight colourful powder, glitter and balloons fell from the ceiling and the music began to blare.

Journalist Benjamin Butterworth, 29, who captured the footage, said: “The atmosphere was incredible. There was so much excitement among partygoers, most of them young, after 16 months without dancing.

"Some even got emotional - a DJ wiped away tears at midnight as the dance floor filled once more."