Out comes the sun and the fun begins

After a miserable spring and last month's Easter weekend ruined by the freezing weather, this bank holiday could not have been more different, with today expected to be the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures were set to rise above 20C (68F), hotter than some parts of France and Italy, before things cool down again towards the middle of the week with the return of showers.

Garden centres and tourist attractions say have seen scores of visitors through their doors. Rob MacMaster, plant manager at Wyevale Garden Centre in Donnington, said: "We've definitely had more people through our doors this weekend.

"They are mainly buying plants, probably to spend a weekend in the garden during the nice weather, but people are buying everything else as well.

"Some people have just come for a nice walk around too."

John Shaw, assistant manager at Mere Park Garden Centre in Newport, said: "We've seen a huge increase in people coming through our doors. A lot of people have just come for a day out and a walk around.

"A lot of people are buying summer bedding, compost and the sorts of things you would put in your garden over a nice weekend."

The sun shone down on events across the county, including the Children's Bookfest in Shrewsbury and the Norman Invasion event at Whittington Castle, near Oswestry.

Eva Robinson, a trustee at the castle, said: "It was really busy on Saturday. As a rule, it rains when we hold this event, so it is a nice change to have some nice weather.

"It has been a little bit windy at times but we can't complain, overall it has been great."

Hundreds of people packed into Shrewsbury's town square as it was transformed into Never Never Land, with children from all over attending the event dressed as characters from Peter Pan.

Meanwhile, families were out in force for a funfair in Newport High Street.

Irene Evision from Underhill Farm, Pant, said the weather could not be better for their art and wild craft event this weekend. Artists and sculptors were displaying their work at the farm throughout the bank holiday and a wide range of workshops and demonstrations took place. Work also began to turn a fallen tree into a sculpture in a field at Underhill.

Irene Evison, whose family runs the venue, said: "The weather is perfect. Many of the sculptures are being exhibited out-of-doors and the sun gives the most amazing natural light for the pieces, many made from wood and from glass."

"Here at Underhill we want people to enjoy the world around them and realise that they can explore on their own doorstep." Farmers across the Shropshire/Mid Wales area have also welcomed the warm weather.

The National Farmers Union Cymru President, Ed Bailey, said: "I'm pleased to see the first signs of spring have finally started to appear after what has been a particularly difficult year for the Welsh agricultural industry due to a number of factors, but largely as a result of the weather. With every single farming sector in Wales, be it dairy, livestock or crops, having been adversely affected." Andy Robertson, NFU Director General, said, "After such a difficult winter, that's gone on for far too long, it's amazing how quickly the countryside has appeared to recover. Unfortunately however, I fear, the industry will feel some of the effects for some time to come."

James Berresford, VisitEngland's Chief Executive said: "An improvement in the weather over the bank holiday hopefully inspires people to get out and about and make the most of the long weekend."

The weekend weather has sparked a surge in demand for barbecues, with Asda reporting a sales increase of 142 per cent.