BRITONS WILL SPLASH £750M OVER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

ABOVE: Huge crowds gathered at Heathrow and across the country at other airports and motorways

This May bank holiday is the busiest weekend of the year for stag and hen parties

James Baddiley, of Chillisauce.co.uk

25th May 2013

By Marc Walker

BRITS will blow a staggering £750million over the bank holiday weekend as a record number of stag and hen parties hit UK cities.

Revellers plan to take advantage of sunshine and highs of 19C today and tomorrow before heavy rain returns on Monday to batter Britain.

The number of pre-wedding blow-outs planned this weekend has soared by 44% compared with last year.

More than 70,000 grooms and brides will toast their last night of freedom in London, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and Brighton – splashing out £18m, according to research by Chillisauce.co.uk.

Brits will neck an extra 1.3m pints over the three days, boosting clubs, pubs and bars.

James Baddiley, of Chillisauce.co.uk, said: “This May bank holiday is the busiest weekend of the year for stag and hen parties.

“Local businesses need to be prepared for the influx of people out to have a good time, but the money they spend will surely be very welcome.”

Tourism bosses expect £750m to be spent as one in three Brits plan outdoor trips after the coldest spring in 50 years.

VisitEngland reckon Brits fork out £128m a day on outings.

A spokeswoman said: “People will take advantage of drier weather and many special events.”

Car breakdown firm RAC warned 9.5m drivers will hit the roads, with the Lake District and the West Country the most popular places during half-term week.

A spokesman said: “Roads will be much busier with half-term adding to traffic troubles. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination.”

Sun is forecast for most of today and tomorrow, with 19C in the south and 17C in the north. But get the BBQs in before Monday when showers are expected.

Around 2million Brits will jet abroad, with Turkey and north Africa favourite destinations – where holidaymakers can expect to sizzle in 30C temperatures.