The Bank Holiday looks likely to have a strange and unfamiliar companion this weekend: sunshine.
Indeed, it will be the turn of those on “staycation” to pity the holidaymakers joining the 1.8 million exodus abroad — they will be missing out on three days of shopping carnivals, food festivals, an adult playground, battle re-enactments and, above all, what promises to be the hottest weather of the year so far.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for Spain and France, with the miserable weather expected to drift northwards, up through the Low Countries and Switzerland. Back in the UK, however, it could get as hot as 23C (73F) in southern England on Saturday and Sunday, several degrees above average for the time of year.
A colourful roster of family events across the country aims to make the most of the Bank Holiday sunshine.
In Central London, Oxford Street will be pedestrianised for the first time outside Christmas, for a “shopping carnival” on Saturday.
The event, aimed at putting a dent in the recession, is expected to attract half a million shoppers and bring British visitors back to the West End.
The country’s premier shopping street will become a traffic-free oasis at noon on Saturday until 5pm. It is only the sixth time Oxford Street has been shut to traffic. The Marble Arch flagship branch of Marks & Spencer will also be extending the chain’s “penny bazaar” sale for a day to mark the company’s 125th anniversary.
At the Tate Modern, the gallery will re-create the 1971 installationBody — spacemotionthings — a playground for adults. New health and safety-approved materials have been used this time round for the collection of plywood tunnels, tubes and ropes. It is hoped there will not be a repeat of the somewhat overenthusiastic public reaction to the previous exhibit, which had to be closed after four days to prevent gallery-goers jumping on the art work and screaming. Beyond the capital, there is a food festival at Hampton Court; a world record attempt to hold the largest dance class on Blackpool seafront; and a battle re-enactment and Spitfire flyover at a 1940s wartime weekend at Scarborough Castle.
“Staycationers” could yet throw a lifeline to retailers desperately hoping for a great British summer.
Sales of car rooftop boxes by Halfords, the car equipment and travel retailer, have soared 70 per cent in the past six weeks against last year.
David Wild, chief executive, said families were taking advantage of the weak pound, and the Bank Holiday coinciding with the start of the school holiday, by packing their cars for holidays at home. He said: “We’re very optimistic for this weekend.”
Halfords intends to use the purse-friendly trend for camping to boost its range of tents. The company has started a half-price tent offer before the Bank Holiday.
Blacks Lesiure, which owns the Millets chain, as well as the outdoor clothing specialist retailer, said that even its more affluent customers were taking up camping to beat the credit crunch.
Sunshine or no sunshine, a Bank Holiday would not be a Bank Holiday without the words, “travel” and “chaos” in close proximity.
Pete Barnao, a spokesman for the AA, said: “With the current economic climate, more people are taking to the road this Bank Holiday. We’re expecting to see up to a third more traffic on popular routes. Journey time will be around 50 per cent longer than normal.” He added that more drivers were taking to the roads earlier to beat the traffic today.
Enjoy the good weather while it lasts. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Monday.
What's on this weekend
LONDON
Oxford Street traffic-free day Oxford St, between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch (Today, 12-5pm) Oxford Street will be closed to traffic. Previews of Night at the Museum 2 will be shown on large screens, while shops will have special promotions and events www.oxfordstreet.co.uk
BOLTON
Steaming day at the Bolton Steam Museum Mornington Road, Bolton (Tomorrow and Monday, 10am-4pm) Free public access to see a collection of 20 steam engines steaming www.nmes.org
BELFAST
Spring Bank Holiday continental market Belfast City Hall grounds (Today 9am-10pm, Tomorrow 1pm-6pm, Monday 9am-8pm) International traders from many European countries and from farther afield — including Russia, Lapland, Tunisia and Peruwww.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets/
GLASGOW
Southside Festival Queen’s Park (Today and tomorrow, from 11.30am) Samba parade through the streets of the South Side to the Queen’s Park for two days of music and entertainment. Most of the events are free www.southsidefestival.co.uk
GLASTONBURY
Teddy bears’ picnic and flower show Glastonbury Abbey, (Tomorrow) Bring a picnic and a teddy bear: competition for the best-dressed bear for ages 2 to 5 and 6 to 8. Register by 3.30pm.Also trails, competitions and a flower festivalwww.glastonburyabbey.com/
NEWCASTLE
Evolution Festival Spillers Wharf (Tomorrow) and Baltic Square (Monday) Dizzee Rascal, the View, Little Boots, Ladyhawke and the Mystery Jets all play at Newcastle’s urban festival. Day tickets £9.50 www.evolutionfestival.co.uk
SOMERSET
Freestyle motocross stunt show Haynes Motor Museum (Monday, 11.30am and 2.30pm) Stunt riders including Jamie Squibb perform in two shows. Free access with museum entry: £7.95 adult or £4.25 childwww.haynesmotormuseum.com/museum/events-2009.html
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