SOARING temperatures tempted big crowds to the seaside and brought a welcome boost to a host of events and attractions as the Easter heatwave made it a bumper weekend for Waveney.

And with North Suffolk enjoying blues skies and warm sunshine, it wasn't just the children having fun.

Making the best of the fine weather, hundreds of people headed for Lowestoft town centre on Saturday as a family fun day transformed London Road North, with free games and activities on offer.

There were thrills and spills aplenty as inflatables, a bouncy castle, a bungee run, a balloon blaster, music and other attractions took centre stage, thanks to the Lowestoft Town Centre Management Partnership.

And hailing the day as a resounding success, Lowestoft town centre manager Emma King told The Journal: 'It was absolutely brilliant. Last year's event went well but this year's was even better – it was such a positive event and it was just really great to bring so many smiles to people's faces.'

The free event, which was made possible by donations from local councillors and the support of the Marina Theatre and Britten Centre, also included weekend performances at the Marina and fashion events at Palmers.

At a 'really busy' Britten Centre, there was also a chance to 'crack the safe' and win a cash prize.

'The whole day went really, really well,' Mrs King added. 'People are getting to know these events are happening more regularly in Lowestoft and they definitely stay around for longer. There was the opportunity to go on things that are normally expensive but we were able to do it all for free – so Lowestoft was buzzing all day.'

On Sunday, there was more Easter fun on offer as Lowestoft Lions held a family event at Sparrow's Nest Gardens. More than 180 enthusiastic youngsters took part in an egg hunt, and Lions' president Keith Moore was on hand to present more than 200 chocolate eggs to children who found the correct answers to a number of clues.

There was also music, fun and games from K-SYL-R Roadshow.

Organiser Mark Lanham said the good weather had led to a bumper turnout at the event, which was run by the Lions for the sixth consecutive year.

More than 30 pictures depicting Easter were handed in, he said, with prize gift vouchers going to Harry and Brandon Dyble, from Kessingland, and Finlay Cooper, on holiday from London.

'Special eggs were also handed over for the group who came wearing easter bonnets – Demi, Grace, Daisy and Alfie,' Mr Lanham added.

The tourism trade also benefited from the fine weather as many people flocked to Waveney's beaches.

Stephen Bournes, owner of Southwold Pier, said it had been a 'phenomenal' weekend.

'It's been like August – the weather is just unbelievable and we have been incredibly busy,' he said.

'Everyone is enjoying themselves and it's great because last year we seemed to hit bad weather for every bank holiday.'