Positive vibes were all around Great Yarmouth seafront this bank holiday weekend.

%image(14446654, type="article-full", alt="The queue for donkey rides was long. This traditional pastime has been very popular over the bank holiday.")

For many people, it was the first time they had been able to reunite with their families, and the sunny weather made the occasion even more brilliant.

John Jenkins, a resident from Hemsby, hadn't seen his family at all throughout the lockdowns.

"This is the first time I have seen my grandchildren in about 18 months," Mr Jenkins said.

"This bank holiday has been brilliant because we hadn't seen the little ones in over a year."

His grandchildren, Molly, Logan, William and Imogen, are visiting from London and York.

"I'm really grateful for the time I have with them," Mr Jenkins added.

"Even if my house now looks like a tip. It's definitely worth it."

%image(14446655, type="article-full", alt="Molly, 4, Logan,5, William, 7, and Imogen, 8, hadn't seen their grandfather in 18 months.")

Tourists, Katrina and Des O'Keefe, from Bury St Edmunds, are staying at Vauxhall Holiday Park for the bank holiday.

Mrs O'Keefe said: "It's lovely. It's nice to have a bit of sunshine.

"We're used to the restrictions everywhere, but Lyra-Honey is having a whale of a time making friends, playing on the beach.

"Our last holiday was January last year - just before lockdown - so it is nice to be able to make the most of our time here."

%image(14446656, type="article-full", alt="Jack, 4, and Lyra-Honey, 4, became friends over building sandcastles on Great Yarmouth beach.")

Hollie Retchless, 34, Denise Medcalf, 57, and Richard Retchless, 57, are a family from near Wisbech. They said: "We're staying at our caravan, and the weather is so nice, we didn't think twice about going to the beach."

Ms Medcalf said: "We're spending some time with our family from Yorkshire, who we've not seen since Christmas.

"It's been such a weird year.

"We're making the most of the long weekend before heading home."

%image(14388703, type="article-full", alt="Hollie Retchless, 34, Denise Medcalf, 57, and Richard Retchless, 57, are on a family break.")

Steve Potter, owner of Potters Rock Factory, said: "It's been very good so far. We were very pleased with yesterday and today is looking to be a good one as well.

"It's nice to be back in business, nice to see people out. It's been a hard year, as it has been for everybody.

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

%image(14446543, type="article-full", alt="Steve Potter, owner of Potters Rock Factory, is happy to be working this bank holiday.")

Evan De-Koning, owner of the Big Wheel company, said: "It's been really good. The weather has been fantastic after the miserable 10 days we had over the last few weeks.

"It's been well received. The beach is full, which is nice to see.

"I think we're going to have a good bank holiday and half-term holiday."

The Big Wheel is open 11am until 6pm every day, but can stay open longer if it is busy.

%image(14446657, type="article-full", alt="The director of the Big Wheel, Even De-Koning, said: "The weather has been fantastic. It's been really good this weekend."")

%image(14423304, type="article-full", alt="Regent Road was bustling in the bank holiday sun.")

%image(14446658, type="article-full", alt="People were enjoying some old Great Yarmouth favourites, including the landau rides.")

%image(14446659, type="article-full", alt="Sun, sea and safe distancing on Bank Holiday weekend.")

%image(14446660, type="article-full", alt="The Big Wheel is open 11am until 6pm every day, but can stay open longer if it is busy.")

%image(14446661, type="article-full", alt="Oscar, aged 4, is on holiday in Great Yarmouth.")