It is amazing what a little sunny weather can do.

Thousands of visitors flocked to attractions in Halstead and the surrounding areas over the weekend and brought a real sense of optimism in with them.

The May Day event really brought the best out of the town, with hundreds of revellers enjoying themselves whilst also promoting what Halstead has to offer.

There are so many wide-ranging attractions to choose from and with a bit more promotion, it isn’t impossible to see Halstead become a tourist hotspot in Essex.

It was also nice to see residents choosing to stay a little closer to home than perhaps they have done in the past.

Maybe the news of a balmy bank holiday elsewhere changed some people’s plans, however our businesses are the ones which have benefited.

In turn it means more investment in the town, something we all as residents should be hoping to encourage.

Let’s hope that isn’t our summer over.