TRADERS are hoping to cash in this weekend thanks to the arrival of warm weather and the annual Southend Airshow.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit the town for the 27th airshow.

The heatwave has come as a big boost for businesses who were reeling from the wettest April since 1910.

Simon Patterson, chairman of the Southend seafront association, said: “The good weather has been great for business over the past few days.

“There have been lots of people down the seafront and it is great to see so many people around.

“It looks like we’re going to get two good days of sunshine for the airshow this weekend, where as normally we seem to have one day which is OK and the other overcast or raining.

“The weather was so bad we were wondering when the sunshine would finally come out.

“It just puts everyone in a good mood and it’s been really brilliant.”

Bosses at Adventure Island amusement park are also hoping to draw in the crowds.

Gemma Warrilow, head of public relations and marketing, said: “According to the Met Office, Southend is officially the warmest and driest place in the UK, so I am glad it looks like we are finally living up to this reputation!

“The tourism and leisure industry plays a vitally important role in not just the local but also the UK economy, and it can really affect us if the weather isn’t good.”

The airshow is often a washout. In 2007 and 2008 rainfall left many airplanes unable to fly. Last year it stayed dry, but high winds meant the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was cancelled.