Tourist attractions in Suffolk have reported a better Easter than last year as a pier welcomed 8,000 visitors enjoying the sunny and warm weather until rain arrived on Easter Monday.
Amusement arcades, fun fairs and an animal park have had a good weekend despite concerns that the current economic situation and cost of living crisis would result in fewer people spending money.
READ MORE: Tourist attractions report a bumper weekend of Easter trade
Charles Manning, owner of Mannings Amusement Park and director of Beach Street in Felixstowe, said although people had been spending less, he had seen an increase in visitors this year compared to last year.
He added: "With the last few weeks of bad weather, we have had some nice weather over the Easter weekend, which people have been taking advantage of and coming down to the seafront and spending some money in the arcades and visiting Beach Street."
Danielle Abreu, manager of Southwold Pier, said: "It has been definitely better than the last couple of years. It has been a very good weekend for sure."
READ MORE: Suffolk: Fun fair up and running in Felixstowe for Easter
She added there had been fewer large families visiting the pier for a meal, but more couples and therefore the venue had looked to offer more events, such as a dining experience themed around the TV comedy Fawlty Towers.
The annual Felixstowe Easter fair has also been visiting the seafront, with dodgems, a Ferris wheel and other rides occupying land close to the town's leisure centre.
READ MORE: Southwold news
Enry Stocks, one of the organisers of the fair, said he was 'pleased' with how the weekend had gone, despite visitor numbers being a 'bit down' on last year.
He added: "It has been successful, I would say. A bit down on last year, but last year was good because it was the first one back after the COVID pandemic."
Steve Swan, farmer at Easton Farm Park, said the Easter weekend had been 'on a par' with previou years.
He said: "It has been a good weekend for Easton Farm Park and the weather wasn't too bad until Monday, which was a washout."
READ MORE: Felixstowe news
The farm park also welcomed a new arrival on April 6- a filly born to eight-year-old Suffolk Punch Ruby.
Mr Swan said the unnamed foal- which the park is inviting the public to name- was born two weeks overdue, but was doing well.
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