Banking on holiday sunshine (From York Press)

Banking on holiday sunshine

AN EXODUS of trippers is expected to be heading out of York this weekend as weather forecasts promise a dry bank holiday weekend.

But they are being replaced by an influx of tens of thousands of visitors as the city prepares for what is thought will be the busiest weekend of the year.

Guest houses and hotels are filling quickly as visitors make last minute decisions to make the trip to York.Even more day trippers are expected to the most of the dry weather by coming to the city.

A PA Weather Centre spokesman said there was a slight chance of rain on Saturday morning. But it will be dry for the rest of the weekend.

He said: "It is not going to be a scorcher, but it will be quite pleasant, with some sunshine and very little rain."

Chief executive of York Tourism Bureau Gillian Cruddas said: "This bank holiday is always the busiest weekend of the year, and this time we have had loads of bookings.

"There are about 120 hotels and guest houses on our books, and they are filling up very well. The amount of day trippers is usually determined by the weather, and that is looking good. York should be very busy."

She added that good weather also bode well for North Yorkshire's coastline, with visitors more likely to head for the beach when the sun is shining.

Coastguards have pre-empted the sea-side rush by issuing safety warnings for visitors.

The move follows last year's death toll on UK beaches which reached more than 250 people.

Advice includes making sure inflatables are tethered, obeying flags and notices, always knowing where your children are, checking tide times and weather conditions and never climbing on cliffs.

The numbers who will be travelling to and from York means the Highways Agency has stopped road works in an effort to keep as many lanes clear as possible for the anticipated rush.

Lawrie Haynes, the agency's chief executive, said: "We want to do everything we can to ensure that motorists travel safely and experience as little delay as possible over the bank holiday."

Events planned over the bank holiday include live broadcasts by BBC Radio York from the National Park Centre in Sutton Bank. The broadcast is being made throughout Monday.

Producer Anna Wallace said: "Sutton Bank is unique in many ways and the radio crew will concentrate on what makes the centre and the surrounding area so special whilst focusing on the work of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park Authority, its staff and visitors."

Other highlights include a steam spectacular at Knavesmire throughout the weekend and the Have You Got Taste exhibition at York Castle Museum.

Castle Howard will be hosting a major battle re-enacted by the Sealed Knot Society on Sunday and Monday, and in Malton 19 trainers will be opening their doors to the public on Sunday during the town's Stables Open Day.

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