Blackpool enjoyed a 'bumper' Bank Holiday in the run-up to the Lights Switch-On, marred only by a handful of late-night fights in the town centre.

Thousands of visitors flocked to the resort, with revellers enjoying the good weather so much that many turned day trips into mini-breaks, said Blackpool's head of tourism, Jane Seddon.

"The car parks were very busy. People had a great time and people did try and stay over when they realised the weather was going to be nice again on the Monday. Blackpool Tourist Information Centre was very busy with inquiries from people wanting to stay," she said.

Yesterday's Tour of Britain cycling finale in Blackpool was also a big draw, as will be tomorrow's (Fri) Illuminations Switch-On, she said.

Derrick Ellershaw of Blackpool Hotel and Guest House Association, agreed: "Everyone we spoke to said they were very busy, which made a change. Normally no matter when it is it seems to be mixed, but the weekend's been all good."

But he said hoteliers are now 'holding their breath'. "One of the things that we have noticed this year for the first time is that all the weekends in the Illuminations are not already booked up, which is unusual," he said.

The drop in bookings appears to be part of a Europe wide trend, he said. It's thought holidaymakers are putting off their breaks to pay off credit card and other debts instead.

It was also a successful weekend for Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Zoo. Both reported an increase in visitor numbers on last year's August Bank HOliday.

Zoo bosses however were left with a £1,500 headache after 50 customers received fines for parking on grass verges outside the zoo entrance. Drivers were reportedly advised by zoo staff to park there, but Blackpool Council Parkrite attendants then issued fines. The zoo has offered to pay the fines for its customers.

But several arrests were made as late-night fights broke out in Blackpool's town centre.

Four people were arrested after an alleged brawl off Talbot Square on Sunday morning. Police said the arrests were for suspected public order offences just after 2am, during 'a large disturbance' on The Strand.

"A patrolling officer happened across the incident and requested that further officers attend. Several patrols including the Support Unit attended the scene and brought the situation under control," said a Blackpool Police spokesman.

Police had earlier detained four people on suspected public order offences in a separate incident in Talbot Square at 11.10pm.

The incidents were followed by a Sunday morning booze-fuelled battle at Blackpool's Central car park. The dawn fracas, at around 3.45am, was caught on CCTV and police patrols issued 'a number of' fixed penalty notices for drunk and disorderly behaviour.