THE number of visitors in Salisbury last week was 24,000 up on the week before according to the latest footfall figures for the city.

The huge increase, which is measured by footfall counters, peaked last Monday night with the Magna Carta pageant but business chiefs say the figures show that people stayed on into the weekend.

Steve Godwin from Salisbury’s Business Improvement District said: “Salisbury has steadily become busier since Easter and has recently seen a tremendous boost to local traders with so many people visiting the city.

“The year started well with a massive injection of people over the first May Bank Holiday because of the Fisherton Festival, very shortly followed by the International Arts Festival from end May to early June and now the Magna Carta exhibition, the Barons Trail and a massive programme of events right through to the Flower Festival in October.

“Traders have reported it noticeably busier with trade generally brisk, particularly on Market days, Tuesday and Saturdays. Visitors to the city are able to find their way around easily and the new Totem Way Finding signs with clear maps are all helping to boost trade.”

The footfall counters were put in place last September.