Friends met up for the first time in 17 days as they flocked to bars and restaurants in the likes of Cardiff just hours after Welsh First Minister urged people to be “careful and cautious”

Revellers enjoyed their first night out in Wales as they flocked to newly re-opened bars and restaurants following the 17-day firebreak lockdown..

The Welsh Government announced the temporary restrictions last month after coronavirus cases began to soar.

And while it’s unclear how effective the circuit breaker was, infection rates have fallen in almost every area, particularly in Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot and Torfaen.

On Monday night friends met up in Cardiff after weeks apart for a night out – despite First Minister Mark Drakeford urging people to be “careful and cautious”.

The end of the lockdown means groups of up to four people can now meet up in cafes, pubs and restaurants while shops, gyms, hairdressers and places of worship can also reopen.