The bank holiday getaway starts now
Thousands were today expected to take to the roads, railways and airports for the last bank holiday weekend of the summer.
And, while many families in Shropshire and Mid Wales will be taking a final chance to get away on holiday, visitors will also be flooding into the region for a host of events.
The three-day Shrewsbury Folk Festival and two-day Ludlow Green Festival will attract thousands, as will Shrewsbury Steam Rally. Ellesmere Carnival and Music Festival will also be taking place tomorrow with a 10k run set for Sunday in the town.
On Monday a coracle regatta on the River Severn will take place in Ironbridge, and Purslow Show will be held in the village near Clun, among other events up and down the county.
Tourism officials believe this weekend may be a record for attractions within the UK as people opt to take mini breaks or stay at home and go on day trips. Visit England says estimated 4.5 million Britons are planning an overnight break in England this weekend, with 7.6 million planning a day trip, while a further 14.8 million still deciding how to spend the long weekend.
The group's chief executive James Berresford said: "With 4.5 million Brits planning a holiday trip in England this bank holiday weekend, it signifies a real statement of confidence in the breadth of product on offer across the country."
Meanwhile, the Association of British Travel Agents predicts 1.9 million people will be grabbing their passports and heading overseas from Friday to Monday, based on figures from previous years.
On the trains around the region, Arriva will be running a normal Saturday, Sunday and Monday service except for amended services due to engineering work between Wolverhampton and Smethwick Rolfe Street.
Arriva trains from Birmingham International to Wolverhampton will depart earlier than normal, with trains from Wolverhampton to Birmingham International departing later than normal.
London Midland trains between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton will be replaced by buses. Arriva trains cross country service from Birmingham International to Shrewsbury will be affected.
For those travelling south, buses will replace trains between Hereford and Shrewsbury after 10.20pm on Sunday.
