SEASIDE traders in Felixstowe are hoping this year will be a bumper one after thousands of people visited over the Bank Holiday weekend.Attraction owners, restaurants, pubs and prom-side kiosks enjoyed a bumper time which set tills ringing and gave them hope of a good few months to come.

SEASIDE traders in Felixstowe are hoping this year will be a bumper one after thousands of people visited over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Attraction owners, restaurants, pubs and prom-side kiosks enjoyed a bumper time which set tills ringing and gave them hope of a good few months to come.

The fine weather, Ipswich to Felixstowe historic vehicle rally, and May Day fun run were among the attractions that brought people out to enjoy a breath of sea air, and some even took to the water for a paddle or swim.

Charles Manning, owner of Charles Manning's Amusement Park in Sea Road, said he hoped it was first of many similar weekends this summer.

"It was a very good weekend indeed and there were a lot of people about, especially on the Sunday when we had the old cars all along the prom," he said.

"I think it was the combination really of the sunshine, old cars and the Bank Holiday, and I think everyone along the front had a good weekend. As long as we get people here we have a chance.

"I was a bit worried on the Monday when it rained first thing but as soon as the sun came out people started to arrive."

Stan Harris, who runs the boating lake and rides between the leisure centre and gardens next to the prom, said: "Overall it was a pretty good weekend - the first decent weekend of the season.

"Monday wasn't as good as Sunday, but it was a whole lot better than the May Day Bank Holiday last year when it rained all day!"

Ice cream and fast-food kiosks on the seafront all reported a good weekend, especially Sunday when there were long queues waiting to be served.

Organisers of the vehicle run were thrilled with the turnout - both the record number of 580 cars and the crowds to see them.

Police had to seal off Brook Lane when the prom overflowed with vehicles which had to be parked on Maybush Lane and doubled-parked on Undercliff Road East and there will be a rethink over arrangements for next year.

n Did you go to Felixstowe over the Bank Holiday weekend? What did you think of the resort's start to the season? Write to Your Letters, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk