People gathered on the streets of Norwich city centre on Saturday night after the country’s new 10pm curfew saw venues shut - after a deserted Friday night.

Norwich Evening News: Prince of Wales road at 10pm after curfew. Picture: Victoria PertusaPrince of Wales road at 10pm after curfew. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

The government has introduced a 10pm curfew for pubs, restaurants and bars in a bid to crack down on the ongoing spread of coronavirus.

It has proved divisive, with people in the industry saying it results in people pouring out onto the streets at the same time, and often heading to the same supermarkets and shops.

Norwich Evening News: Prince of Wales road at 10pm after curfew. Picture: Victoria PertusaPrince of Wales road at 10pm after curfew. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

It comes as tens of thousands of students return to universities across the country, including in Norwich.

But Number 10 has doubled down on the new rule and says it will stay in place.

Norwich Evening News: Prince of Wales road at 10pm after curfew. Picture: Victoria PertusaPrince of Wales road at 10pm after curfew. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

On Friday night, Norwich city centre was empty at 10pm, with just a few people waiting at bus stops or takeaways.

On Saturday, though, it was a different picture, as people who had been enjoying an evening out gathered outside the city’s clubs and bars.

Norwich Evening News: Prince of Wales road at 10pm after curfew. Picture: Victoria PertusaPrince of Wales road at 10pm after curfew. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

Glen Sarabi, the manager of Bond in Tombland and Mantra and Fetch in Prince of Wales Road, previously said on the first weekend of the curfew the road had been as busy as any normal weekend as people poured out onto the street, leaving “controlled and safe environments”.

There have been calls nationally for a staggered curfew.

Norwich Evening News: An empty road near to the Bell Hotel in Norwich, shortly after 10pm on Friday, October 2. PIC: Peter Walsh.An empty road near to the Bell Hotel in Norwich, shortly after 10pm on Friday, October 2. PIC: Peter Walsh. (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: An empty Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, shortly after 10pm on Friday, October 2. PIC: Peter Walsh.An empty Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, shortly after 10pm on Friday, October 2. PIC: Peter Walsh. (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: An empty Riverside in Norwich, shortly after 10pm on Friday, October 2. PIC: Peter Walsh.An empty Riverside in Norwich, shortly after 10pm on Friday, October 2. PIC: Peter Walsh. (Image: Archant)