Business boomed along Great Yarmouth seafront over the bank holiday, as a combination of half term and sunshine brought holidaymakers and locals out.

%image(14446544, type="article-full", alt="Queues were long for fish and chips.")

From the Model Village down to the cinema, the Golden Mile was busy with people from home and away.

It was a welcome boost for seafront traders, who were closed this time last year.

However, there is a sense of 'making hay while the sun shines' for some of the business owners.

%image(14446545, type="article-full", alt="Andrew and Debra Hives outside Ice Cream Towers last week.")

Andrew Hives, the manager of Ice Cream Towers, said: "It's been like the olden days of the 70s and the 80s.

"All the holidaymakers coming in on Friday, as well as the good weather, it was a perfect combination.

"A lot of them are going home today, but we'll have a new batch in tomorrow and hopefully the weather will hold out so we can do it all again.

"I'm making the most of it.

"Without the holidaymakers, we won't be alive. It's been nice to see everyone.

"I think we'll have to wait and see about the summer though. The variant is going to be the key."

Steve Phillips, owner of Coastal Gifts, had similar feelings.

"I'm feeling fairly optimistic about the summer," he said. "As long as we can stay open, I think it will be a busy one.

"I can't see too many people going abroad, so let's hope we get through it and let's hope the weather stays as good as it has been this weekend."

%image(14446547, type="article-full", alt="Steve Phillips is "fairly optimistic" about the upcoming summer.")

Mr Phillips added: "Saturday and Sunday were two really great days. It's been excellent."

The Big Wheel has had a steady queue over the weekend.

%image(14446548, type="article-full", alt="Clear skies and a good view, the Big Wheel has been popular over the bank holiday.")

Company owner, Evan De-Koning said: "It's been well received.

"The weather has helped. I think we're going to have a good half-term holiday."

Steve Potter, owner of Potters Rock Factory, said: "We were very pleased with the long weekend.

"It's nice to be back in business, nice to see people out. The Indian variant is a bit worrying, but we just have to keep going while we can.

"People are about, business is good, the sun is shining. What more could you ask for?"

%image(14426610, type="article-full", alt="Regent Road busy on the bank holiday weekend.")

%image(14446549, type="article-full", alt="People were keeping their distance on the beach, while still enjoying the sun and air.")

%image(14446550, type="article-full", alt="Sun, sea and safe distances.")

%image(14446544, type="article-full", alt="Queues were long for fish and chips.")

%image(14446551, type="article-full", alt="People enjoying the sun and the sea, but remaining a good distance from other families.")