A sunny start to the bank holiday weekend has boosted both trade for city businesses and people's spirits.

Norwich Evening News: People are out enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYPeople are out enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

With temperatures on the rise after several days of rain and the gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions ongoing, people flocked to Norwich city centre on Saturday.

Norwich Evening News: People are out enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYPeople are out enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

Natasha Cox, co-owner of Butterfly Boutique women's fashion store on White Lion Street, said: "Today was our busiest Saturday since we reopened on April 12. Everyone is looking for summer stock.

Norwich Evening News: Natasha Cox, co-owner of Butterfly clothing shop on White Lion Street in Norwich, preparing to re-open on April 12 when further COVID restrictions lift.Natasha Cox, co-owner of Butterfly clothing shop on White Lion Street in Norwich, preparing to re-open on April 12 when further COVID restrictions lift. (Image: Archant 2021)

"The whole city has been busy today. Everyone was upbeat and happy. Everyone has been very nice.

"I'm optimistic about things because people feel a lot safer since having the vaccine. As long as people are wearing a mask and washing their hands people feel safe. We are going the right way."

Norwich Evening News: Cassie and Ed Weller from Sheringham out enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYCassie and Ed Weller from Sheringham out enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

She said a combination of factors helped boost business in her shop on Saturday - sun and the fact it was just after many people's pay day.

Norwich Evening News: Aey Allen, owner of The Vine on Dove Street in Norwich.Aey Allen, owner of The Vine on Dove Street in Norwich. (Image: Archant 2021)

Aey Allen, who owns Thai Vine pub on Dove Street, said: "It has been a very good Saturday - better than normal. Things have picked up nicely."

Norwich Evening News: Kim Cooper, joint owner of The Cuppie Hut on Norwich Market, pictured before the May bank holiday.Kim Cooper, joint owner of The Cuppie Hut on Norwich Market, pictured before the May bank holiday. (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

Kim Cooper, 48, from Hethersett, who co-owns the Cuppie Hut market stall, which sells sweet treats, said the city centre was really busy at the start of the bank holiday weekend.

Norwich Evening News: Lynsey Rouse with Nya (10) and Evalie (7) out enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYLynsey Rouse with Nya (10) and Evalie (7) out enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

She said: "The amount of people who have said it feels like being back to normal again is a lot.

"It has been the busiest day in terms of people in the city. Saturday had a good vibe about it."

The stall owner said trade was not the busiest for them on Saturday as some people did not want to buy cake on hot days.

She added there was a bit of a lull in terms of customers after the restaurants and cafes reopened because of increased choice but hoped things would get "better and better".

Norwich Evening News: The busy beer garden at the Fat Cat Brewery Tap On Lawson Road, Norwich, on May 29, 2021.The busy beer garden at the Fat Cat Brewery Tap On Lawson Road, Norwich, on May 29, 2021. (Image: Mark White)

Further out of the city, Mark White, landlord of the Fat Cat Brewery Tap on Lawson Road, said: "We have been bustling. People have been enjoying the sun. Everyone has been on lovely form and is happy. The gentle buzz and humdrum of people getting together is great. There is a general sense of enthusiasm."

Norwich Evening News: David Hughes and Catherine O'Connell eating pizza at Zizi's enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURYDavid Hughes and Catherine O'Connell eating pizza at Zizi's enjoying the sunshine in Norwich on the May bank holiday weekend. Picture: NEIL DIDSBURY (Image: Archant)

He added trade was levelling off to expected levels due to restaurants and cafes reopening fully.

Mr White said any table in the sun was full by 12.30pm - 30 minutes after opening time.

Norwich Evening News: Summer in the City.Summer in the City. (Image: Archant)

Our Summer in the City campaign, sponsored by Norwich BID and Chantry Place, urges people to make the most of what Norwich has to offer this summer.