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Britons choose old favourites for summer sunshine

It seems that the gloomy winter weather is making Britons dream about summer sunshine, with new research suggesting that many have already made plans for their summer holiday.



Research carried out by lettings website www.holidaylettings.co.uk revealed that 54 per cent of holidaymakers have already made their plans for the summer, with the site noting that 37 per cent of enquiries made since January 1st have been for breaks in July and August.

When it came to making those plans, travellers preferred to stay close to the UK, with old favourite holiday destinations proving more popular than new EU entrants onto the rental market.

Spain was one of the most popular destinations, drawing 37 per cent of all July and August enquiries made in January, despite representing just 31 per cent of properties advertised on the site.

France attracted 18 per cent of enquiries last month despite accounting for 14 per cent of properties and Italy attracted ten per cent of enquiries, but covered eight per cent of properties.

"These figures show that despite ongoing debates of the prospects of overseas property investment and prospective rental markets, there is still very much a demand for self catering accommodation in traditional locations, including those just a couple of hours from home," commented holidaylettings.co.uk managing director Ross Elder.

Festival planned for older fans

A more mature, discerning live music fan is the target audience of a new festival due to take place in August, designed to attract older festival goers who don't necessarily want to be 'down with the kids'.

Taking place at Inveraray Castle in Argyll the Connect Music Festival will give older fans the chance to party with their peers in true festival style, offering comfort and style instead of the usual roughing it.

Organisers are confident that the three-day event will appeal to grown-ups who enjoy live music and the festival experience, but are looking for something a little more sophisticated than the norm. Geoff Ellis, part of the organising team, is optimistic over Connect's appeal.

"We have felt that there has been a gap in the market for a festival like Connect for some time now and it's fantastic to see it come to fruition," he told the BBC.

Confirmed acts include the Beastie Boys, Primal Scream and Bjork, as well as The Jesus and Mary Chain and Idlewild. A unique Highland games event will also feature in addition to live comedy and local food and drink.

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