Yarmouth seafront traders optimistic about Easter season

Traders across the borough are optimistic for a good turnout over Easter and beyond.

In Hemsby, councillor and Beach Cafe owner James Bensly said the village "is alive and buzzing with anticipation".

FLASHBACK: Hemsby Beach Road during peak season. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)"Everyone is spring cleaning, getting ready to open for business and we're all excited to welcome tourists, guests and residents alike," he said.

"Hemsby is very much open. All the businesses are ready and welcoming, and we cater for every budget."

James and Louise Bensly, owners of the Beach Cafe in Hemsby. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)Richardson's Holiday Parks has invested in a new bowling alley and climbing apparatus. And there are new tweaks at the Lost World crazy golf and the Oasis amusement centre.

Mr Bensly added the area also has a strong night time offer, with the Lacon Arms, MB's Leisure Bar and Seadell Chalet Park near Beach Road, and the Bermuda Club, Ti's Bar and Grill and Bensly's - the former Florida Club - all open for business during the Easter holiday.

"We are very excited about welcoming people to the start of what will be a spectacular season," Mr Bensly added.

FLASHBACK: Regent Road during peak season. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)Over in Yarmouth, Britannia Pier manager Keegan Snell said the pier has already seen an uptake in footfall.

"With the changes we've made, we're expecting a busy one," he said. "Even busier than last year.

Britannia Pier manager Keegan Snell. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)"People are interested to see what's new, and it looks promising. We hope the weather will be nice. 

"It can be make or break but it changes every day. Everyone needs that favour."

People enjoy the hazy sunny weather and higher temperatures at Great Yarmouth last year. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)The pier is putting on a family Easter party and an 18+ bingo event over the bank holiday weekend. Inside the Pier Tavern, live cabaret will also be on weekend nights from 11pm, with DJs on the decks earlier in the evenings.

Over at the Arc Cinema, manager Derren Hodges said he was confident the cinema would be a popular attraction during the holiday, but he was still monitoring the weather closely.

Great Yarmouth Arc Cinema general manager Derren Hodges. (Image: Archant 2021)He said: "If it goes one way, we could be even busier than expected. But we have some great films showing, including Kung Fu Panda 4 and the new Ghostbusters, which was a sell-out across three screens for its big opening night here."

Mr Hodges said the cinema's prices have been frozen to help out during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

"With everything going up, we want to make sure we provide great value for money, with family tickets and a range of kids boxes on offer," he added.

The new prize bingo arcade on Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)Further down the seafront, the new prize bingo arcade - next to Caesar's Palace - is already welcoming more people each week. The bingo hall is holding a raffle galore on Easter Sunday, with winners receiving an Easter egg.

"It's looking very promising," said owner Michael Jennings.

Michael Jennings inside the new prize bingo arcade on the Golden Mile. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)"If the weather is fine, people are fine. And we should see a lot of eager families around. We're looking forward to it."

Jeannette Emmerson, from Lorenzo's Donuts and Ice Creams. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Jeannette Emmerson, from Lorenzo’s Ice Cream and Donuts, said she hopes the weather stays on the town's side.

"But we'll do well whatever, as our doughnuts are so good," she said.

"But I do think the seafront losing the regular car show will see fewer people coming in between the holidays. That is a real shame and totally avoidable.

"But we're hoping for good weather. If we have that, there'll be no worries over Easter." 

On Wednesday, the Met Office forecasted four days of cloud in Great Yarmouth from Good Friday, with light showers expected at the beginning and end of the long weekend. There are expected highs of 12 degrees on most days, with gusts ranging from 18mph to 32mph.