Pictures show Brighton one week after 'lockdown eve'

It was the last time pubs, bars and restaurants would would be allowed to open in four weeks, ahead of the introduction of a second national lockdown.

Yet, just seven days later, the city fell silent as it marked a week since the introduction of the heightened restrictions.

In Brighton, many revellers took November 4 as an opportunity to visit their favourite haunts for one last hurrah before a month of relative isolation.

West Street was packed last week, but silent just seven days later

As the clocks approached 10pm, the government mandated curfew for hospitality venues, hundreds of people began to pour on to the streets.

But the partying was far from done. Many continued to drink from plastic takeaway cups as large crowds amassed in West Street, North Street and more.

• READ MORE: 30 pictures show what Brighton looked like on the night  pubs were forced to shut for the final time in four weeks

A busker in adjacent Duke Street was met with huge cheers from a tightly-packed group of about 40 people as he began to strum the opening chords to Wonderwall.

People made for off-licences in West Street after pubs closed

Huddles also formed outside off licences as people looked to pick up ""one for the road".

Police patrolled the city, with several officers quickly descending on areas which looked overcrowded to disperse those present.

• WATCH: Revellers sing Wonderwall in Duke Street after pubs close on 'lockdown eve'

This included the busker and his audience in Duke Street (below).

Police watch over a gathering in Duke Street, Brighton

Armed police were also stationed at the Clock Tower and Brighton Station throughout the night.

"We had high visibility police patrols working across the county last Wednesday and we continued to engage and remind the public about adhering to the Covid-19 guidance," a Sussex Police spokeswoman told The Argus the following day.

"Officers spoke to any large groups gathered in Brighton city centre and they were dispersed peacefully."

Police attended an incident outside The Post and Telegraph JD Wetherspoon pub in North Street

The force was needed in North Street at about 9.45pm after a large gaggle gathered outside the entrance to The Post and Telegraph JD Wetherspoon pub.

• READ MORE: Hundreds pour on to the streets of Brighton as pubs close ahead of second national lockdown

The boisterous group began chanting loudly, and then an altercation appeared to break out between them and another person in the street.

Police arrived to separate the opposing parties, with eight officers, a police car and a force van at the scene at the height of the incident.

Police attended an incident in North Street on 'lockdown eve'

"It's just like a Saturday night," one person observed as they walked past the site of the scuffle.

Last night marked a week since the introduction of a second national lockdown by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his goverment; seven days since the events of what has been dubbed "lockdown eve".

So, once again, The Argus took to the streets between 9.30pm and 10pm to see how the city had changed.

• READ MORE: Man stabbed in Montpelier Place, Brighton, on 'lockdown eve'

And the shift in mood was stark.

Pubs which had been overflowing just seven days before were now dark, with their windows shuttered and outside seating areas locked away.

Hospitality venues are required to remain shut until December 2 under the latest national restrictions.

Pubs were closed in New Road

In North Street and West Street, which had been bustling with noise and activity a week before, there was barely a sound.

The near-silence was only broken by an occasional bus or car, or a person taking a late-night stroll to the seafront.

A smattering of essential shops and takeaways remained open, but most stores and venues were closed, in-line with the government guidance.

This included several of the off licences which had been in high demand the week before.

A week made a big difference in New Road

Following the introduction of the second national lockdown, Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty urged people to "work together to stay safe and protect the most vulnerable in our communities".

"I understand the frustration so many of you will already feel facing this new set of restrictions," he said.

• READ MORE: Council leader urges people not to increase their social activity before second lockdown

"However, I know our city can once again rise to this important challenge to protect the ones we love."

And, on last night's evidence, it appears Brighton is now on its best behaviour.