How our readers will be celebrating the 'Independence Day'

After months inside we've finally got a date in sight for the possible 'end of lockdown'.

Online petitions have gone viral calling for June 21 to be made into a national holiday, renaming it 'Independence Day'. 

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson released tentative plans to ease all restrictions by June 21 in his road map out of lockdown on Monday.

Mr Johnson gave a string of key target dates as part of a four-part exit from lockdown, which will include schools reopening from March 8 and shops, hairdressers and pubs opening from April 12 at the earliest.

However, June 21 is the date that stuck in everyone's mind as this marks when all remaining elements of the hospitality sector - such as nightclubs - will be allowed to open. 

READ MORE: What did Boris say about ending lockdown in Commons?

Here's what our readers said they wanted to do first: 

Hug family and friends

Over the past year there are lots of things we've all missed out on, but most importantly its been a simple touch from our loved ones that we've missed the most.

Being able to hug our loved ones, especially those that are more vulnerable, is something we will never take for granted again. 

Cathy Dye said: "Go and hug the family I haven’t been able to for over a year and jump head long into our daughters wedding preparations! Bring it on!"

Wedding preparation

Loved-up couples are looking forward to planning their weddings. Image - stock.

On the note of wedding preparations - with a year of disruption and cancelled plans, bride and grooms-to-be will be happy knowing that they can carefully start planning their wedding again. 

Weddings could resume in England with no restrictions this summer, after months of disruption and there may also be smaller weddings in spring.

Rhiannon Parry said she couldn't wait to get out "try on wedding dresses" in the run up to her big day. 

Holiday

As the UK lockdown lifts gradually over the coming months, the thought of planning a holiday is enough to fill anyone with excitement. 

All non-essential overseas travel is currently banned and we cannot travel across the country - these restrictions will not be lifted until at least May 17.

Holiday lets and hotels will hopefully be allowed to start operating again in April and staycations are looking like the way to go this year. 

Answering what she'll be doing on 21 June, Pauline Blunt  said: "Going on holiday!"

Working

If you've not already checked, 21 June is a Monday - which is one of the many reasons why people are calling for it to become a national holiday. 

If the restrictions are lifted on this date then the majority of the population will still be getting up and going to work. 

Wendy Harris said: "It’s a Monday so working as usual."

Rosemary Miles said: "I'll be at work then come home and do some housework!"

Cindy Sieg said: "Working, as I have done right through this pandemic."

Celebrating birthdays

On a list of things we've missed out on, celebrating our birthdays is close to the top. 

Lockdown birthdays just don't quite cut it, but at least they've been memorable. 

One reader, Neil Watt said he would be celebrating his 50th birthday on 21 June.

Whilst Sarah Nash said: "Can we not let this overshadow my birthday please! I already have to contend with fathers day and my son's birthday being two days before."

Go to a bar, restaurant or pub

People were looking forward to being able to get out and about again. Image - stock

Some readers were looking for the simple pleasures in life, like enjoying a meal out or a fresh cold pint.

Lin Mon Cassidy hopes she'll be able to go out for lunch by June 21.

However, some readers cannot wait for life to go back to the way it used to be - when there was no virus and being in groups didn't fill us all with dread. 

Optimistic Callum Shurey said: "Go get absolutely wasted with the crowds of people in town and enjoy my life!"

Staying in 

The new reality that we all have to live with is that this virus really isn't going anywhere fast. 

In Monday's press conference Professor Chris Whitty explained that the coronavirus would be with us for the next few winters and innoculation would be the only way to keep ourselves safe. 

Andy Walker said: "Stay in, and keep away from all those that will rush out, get drunk, and believe covid is completely gone."

While Mike Rawles was a bit more blunt, stating he would be "staying in to avoid the idiots" when lockdown finally does end. 

Let us know in the comments what you hope to be doing first on when lockdown ends.