Holiday trade basks in warm May weather

The early timing of the Easter break coincided with wet weather, but with May bringing in temperatures of up to 23 degrees centigrade, it is hoped visitor numbers will have picked up.

Jude Rothwell, marketing and PR co-ordinator at Blackpool Zoo, said: “The recent warm weather has been welcomed by all here at Blackpool Zoo with plenty of visitors heading through the gates to make the most of the sunshine.

“Who knows how long with weather will last so now is a great time to come and catch up with our residents and meet the new babies who arrived over spring.”

Helen Mansell, vice-president of hoteliers group StayBlackpool, said: “The fine weather will bring in a more weekend visitors, although during the week the children are in school.

“But there will also be more day-trippers.”

A spokesperson for Blackpool Pleasure Beach said: “Blackpool Pleasure Beach is always a fantastic place to be when the sun is shining. We are looking forward to welcoming many visitors during this spell of great weather, especially for our Red Arrows display on Saturday May 21.”

Mick Grewcock, who owns the Queen’s Mansions in Bispham, said: “The weather does bring people in, but we are quieter than when the dance festival was here.

“I don’t think people realise how important events like that are.”