FAMILIES flocked to the coast at the weekend in a welcome boost for traders as the county enjoyed some well overdue dry and warm weather following a wet and sometimes chaotic start to spring.
The week may have started with flooding, hailstorms and gales but it ended with a couple of days of very welcome spring sunshine as the Easter bank holiday got underway.
It provided local businesses with a boost as visitors headed to the coast to make the most of the dry weather.
But it’s not likely to last - there was another weather warning for heavy rain last night and more downpours are forecast for this week.
It's a blow for families wanting to spend time with their children at the coast and make the most of what our resorts have to offer.
The beginning of April is the official start of the season for tourists areas like Weymouth and traders have been looking forward to welcoming visitors for the two-week school holidays.
The funfair has returned to the Pavilion car park and children’s rides have been set up on the beach along with the traditional food and drink kiosks.
A few days of dry and sunny weather at the weekend would have been some comfort for local businesses.
Thousands took to Weymouth Beach on Saturday to enjoy the sun, even if it was a touch chilly, on what has been forecast to be the only day of genuine sunshine for the town over the Easter break.
For traders, the break in weather proved a welcome 'bonus' as they collectively crossed their fingers for a sunny season this year.
Ed Jenkins, owner of Edz on the Esplanade which sells ice cream and gifts, said: "Today was a bonus after all that rain. People are out today, we will see how long it lasts.
"It is good to see the car parks are full and people are spending. It is not the best Easter ever but for sure it is nice for everyone to get dry. I am hoping because it was wet at the start of the season August will see glorious sunshine but we can never tell, all we can do is pray and hope."
Jayne Smith, the owner of Jayne's Coffee Shop on the Esplanade said: "It has been busy today. The weather is a big part, and we didn't have good weather last year.
"I hope it will be busier than last year, and I think that usually depends on the weather."
Ben Alford, the owner of Weymouth Vibes and Weymouth Gifts and Fancy Dress which sit alongside each other on the Esplanade said: "It is nice to see a little bit of sun. We hope for some good weather which will undoubtedly bring people out with it. That is how it is with Weymouth. It is a bit of a lottery with the UK weather."
After all the rain over the past few months, people were glad of the chance to finally get outdoors and enjoy, though few were brave enough to enter the chilly water.
Read more: Storm Nelson: Dorset blown away by extreme wind and rain
Will Coleman from Sussex visited with his kids and grandkids. He said: "I did bring my swimsuit but I have no plans to use it. It is typical spring weather and is still nice. Weymouth is nice whatever the weather."
Hannah Millar from Buckinghamshire visited for the long weekend with her daughter Mia, and her friend Simonetta McIntyre and her daughter Luna. Hannah said: "It is beautiful. A bit chilly but gorgeous. It has been miserable recently so it is nice to have a good day. The boys have all gone crabbing. Apparently, they have just caught their 30th."
Holly Barnes visited with her family and friends from Worcester. She was one of the few who braved the chill and took a dip in the sea. She said: "We have been flooded so it is a delight to see a little bit of sunshine, to be out and get the kids moving."
Kree Clark visited Weymouth with his wife and three kids from Frome. He said: "It is a lovely day. We looked at the weather and we wanted to go to the beach. It is the only day it's not raining during the Easter break, it lifts your spirits after a damp winter."
Olivia Jarman from Milton Keynes visited with her granddaughter Niyah who enjoyed riding a donkey on the beach. Olivia said: "It is nice to have a bit of sunshine after it rained from October."
Lucas Cooper from Stourport enjoyed fish and chips on the beach with his family. He said: "We grabbed the opportunity after how the weather has been. We are making the best of a sunny day."
Ashley Whiteside from Surrey said: "Came down to visit a cousin last year and fell in love with the place. With a young family you can get out enjoy the sun and let them rip up and down the beach."
Lisa Marson who lives near Dorchester visited with her children Harry and Lily. She said: "About the only nice day we have had recently and probably the only one all Easter break so we are here to make the most of it. It is just been non-stop rain for the past few months."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel