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Mar 2020

Coronavirus

Hundreds of teenagers in end of school blow out on the Stray

Published: 20 Mar 2020, 16:04 GMT

Updated: 21 Mar 2020, 17:02 GMT

by Connor Creaghan

By lunchtime there were large crowds on the Stray today, with some of the pupils drinking alcohol

Crowds of young people gathered over summer. With laws coming into force on Monday, crowds must be limited to six people.

Hundreds of teenagers spent the afternoon seeing their friends for what they think will be the final time in a big school blow out on the Stray.

There were jubilant scenes on the West Park side this afternoon with some of the pupils drinking.

It was a gathering organised online between teenagers from the town's secondary schools with some fearing it will be their last party.

Some of them, whom we cannot name, told The Stray Ferret that they were worried about what the future holds now exams have been cancelled.

One of the teenagers said with a can of Strongbow dark fruits in hand:

"These are dramatic scenes but it feels like something has been ripped out of our hands.

While we complained about A-levels and the work, it was the only thing we were doing.

There's nothing we can do, we're just going to be stuck in our homes,"

A second, who seemed worried that things were getting out of hand, added:

"Some are more responsible than others. We have tried to keep our bit quite tidy but some are really quite partying a lot. I think as long as everyone is sensible it's okay.

Everyone knows the risks, well some of us know the risks. I think it will calm down.

Because school was cancelled so last minute it was the final opportunity for everyone to say goodbye, particularly for those in Year 13.

We don't know what's going on with the exams just yet. I think a lot of people are gutted that the exams aren't running.

It's a shame but it is what it is and it's out of our control. The plan is to self isolate from tomorrow but make the most of it today. I've heard some people say that they would put themselves through for exams next year because they really do care."

Another added:

"We've got nothing to do because our exams have been cancelled and school has been cancelled.

"It really sucks for us all. People keep asking whether we are happy about exams being cancelled but no it's ****.

"We've got nothing to look forward to, we didn't even get our last day.

"We were told last night at about 7pm that today wasn't happening. We just had no time to prepare or say goodbye."

"But at the end of the day: **** it, we are done."