As Brigg revellers were recently unable to celebrate New Year in the town's pubs and licensed clubs because of Coronavirus emergency restrictions, we thought we'd try and raise people's spirits today with some happy pictures of the past taken on December 31 during the countdown to midnight and also the early minutes of January 1.
Some pub regulars are now suffering lockdown withdrawal symptoms unrelated to the consumption of alcohol in bars but caused by the fact they cannot meet their friends on licensed premises to share the craic, chat or exchange local gossip.
Our pictures from the past include some taken at the Black Bull, on Wrawby Street, and show the long-standing tradition of linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne as the hands of the clock on the nearby Buttercross advanced beyond midnight. We also see regulars dancing the conga in the Exchange's bar.
For some Brigg people the Nelthorpe Arms, on Bridge Street, was a must port of call on New Year's Eve - particularly during the lengthy tenure of genial mine hosts Myles and Mary Scanlon, with their selection of jukebox tunes on offer - many being Irish.
However, as this pub closed for good in May 2018, there would have been no revellers on New Year's Eve 2020 even without the pandemic.
We can only reflect that, but for the virus, all Brigg bars would have been buzzing on Thursday/Friday, December 31/January 1.
Which would you have chosen to call at to see in the New Year?
