Sheffield's Crucible Theatre deserted for second pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinic

For the second Saturday running 700 jabs were available on a first come, first serve basis for anyone over the age of 18, with doors open from 9am until 2pm.

But, while those arriving after 8am last week were turned away amid huge queues and vaccine supplies running out, anyone turning up at the same time today would have found themselves among the first 10 people in line.

Stewards had arrived as early as 4am in anticipation of another Glastonbury ticket-style rush among young people but they were met by a deserted Crucible Square.

The first person arrived at 3am last Saturday. However, a walk-in vaccination service at Sheffield University’s Octagon Centre appears to have absorbed much of the demand for jabs among young people since then.

Mum-of-five Mehbara Mammadova, aged 60, was first in the queue this morning, having travelled from her home in Manor Top at 7am.

She had 18-year-old Jack Green from Millhouses for company from 8am onwards, with the pair joking they “had become best friends” after chatting in the queue.

"I came here last week and the line was all the way to the Millennium Gallery,” said Jack

"I think my mum will be happy [I’m getting vaccinated].”

Charlie Hickey from Handsworth was also turned away last week, but the 18-year-old was all smiles after earning third spot in the queue despite arriving a little after 8.30am.

"I don’t like needles but I’m not bothered,” the soon-to-be university student added.