A celebration of the arts has given businesses in a popular coastal town a welcome shot in the arm ahead of the busy summer season.

This year’s Aldeburgh Festival has received both national and international acclaim.

It’s performances and activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Benjamin Britten attracted audiences from across the globe - none more so than the staging of his opera Peter Grimes on the beach.

The influx of visitors has been a welcome boost to the town’s retailers and restaurateurs - especially as the poor weather had meant a slower start to the year.

Naomi Tarry, chairman of Aldeburgh Business Association, said: “The atmosphere has been fantastic during the festival. All the more so thanks to the performances of Peter Grimes on the beach, which have brought people here from as far away as Japan and Canada.

“This is very good news for shops and restaurants trading in Aldeburgh - it has brought a very welcome boost after a slower start to the year due to poor weather.

“Many local businesses have made the most of the opportunity, by offering services especially for the festival, including a pop-up restaurant on the beach and hampers for opera-goers.

“Events are becoming increasingly important to Aldeburgh’s tourism-dependent businesses.”

The pace shows no signs of slowing, with the beginning of next month heralding the start of three days of events in the town.

From July 4 to 6 a series of activities and promotions are being held to celebrate Aldeburgh’s independent retailers, culminating in a free “Sixties by the Sea” concert on the beach on the Saturday night.