Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the next stage of the government roadmap can go ahead.

This means that many businesses across Preston which were forced to close down months ago can finally reopen.

Hairdressers, pubs with outdoor areas and gyms were allowed to reopen on 12 April as lockdown was partially lifted.

Now places such as cinemas, bingo halls and saunas can all resume trading from next week (Monday 17 May).

The following businesses are able to reopen from Monday, 17 May:

• Pubs (indoor dining)
• Restaurants (indoor dining)
• Cinemas
• Theatres
• Concert halls
• Amusement arcades
• Bingo halls
• Casinos
• Bowling alleys
• Snooker and pool halls
• Saunas and steam rooms
• Conference centres and exhibition halls (subject to the capacity limits)
• Museums and galleries
• Adventure playgrounds and activities
• Skating rinks
• Games and recreation venues
• Play areas
• Model villages
• Trampolining parks
• Water and aqua parks
• Theme parks and film studios
• Zoos, safari parks, aquariums and other animal attractions
• Botanical gardens, greenhouses and biomes
• Sculpture parks
• Landmarks including observation wheels or viewing platforms
• Stately or historic homes, castles, or other heritage sites

Boris Johnson also announced that people can meet indoors in a group of six or two households.

Despite the large amount of businesses able to reopen, there are still some which have to wait to welcome people back.

The businesses that have to stay shut until June 21 includes:

• Nightclubs
• Adult entertainment venues
• Large events

The next – and potentially final – stage of the lockdown roadmap is due to be announced on 21 June.

This will only take place if the Government’s four tests continue to be met.

They are:

• A continued Successful vaccine rollout
• Vaccines reducing hospitalisations and deaths
• Infection rates do not risk overwhelming NHS
• Variants have not fundamentally changed the risks

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

What are you most excited to do once lockdown is eased further? Let us know in the comments below.