THOUSANDS of beach-goers flocked to Boscombe for the opening weekend of the Coastal Activity Park.

A jam-packed schedule of activities ensured the sands were thronging with visitors enjoying the warm weather and the new attractions on offer.

Saturday evening saw free play for all, with activities including table tennis, bouldering, slack lining, volley ball tournaments, circus skills and fire demonstrations as well as stilt walking and juggling.

A fireworks display off Boscombe Pier that night heralded the end of a successful Saturday before sunny skies on Sunday saw thousands more enjoy the events. Children clambered over the specially installed boulders while onlookers marvelled at the jetpack demonstrations and had a chance at trying out some musical instruments at Boscombe Pier.

A variety of demonstrations included beach lifeguarding, handball, beach lacrosse and an appearance from the Newfoundland Dog Display Team.

The show-stopping dogs performed a ‘rescue’ of Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood from the sea, and brought him back to shore as part of a demo in the afternoon.

Tobias said: “This is amazing. I have been very keen to work with the council and get funds for this.

“This spot is Bournemouth’s trump card. The more we can do to encourage a multitude of experiences and promote them, just shows why people want to come here. We are justifying why we are the best seaside resort in Britain.”

A spokesperson for Bournemouth council said: “It’s been brilliant; the weather has been a real bonus.

“The crowds were massive on Saturday night and it’s been a great way to start the season.”

Cllr Lawrence Williams, Bournemouth council’s cabinet member for tourism, added: “I’m delighted. Everybody I have spoken to has been really supportive and says what a wonderful facility it is.

“To see it this busy before Easter weekend as well is great.”

'We will be back' say impressed visitors

Carlie Huggett, 11, from Muscliff said: “I really like it. The rock climbing is great.

"I can't wait to come back again."

Her cousin Ellie Purton, said: “It’s really good fun. The boulders are my favourite thing to do. There’s lots of people here.”

Derek Huggett said: “They are having a lovely time. It’s a great day. We’ll definitely come back again.”

Tracey Blackhan, who was there with son Oscar, said: “We haven’t been here for ages but I think it will encourage a lot more people down here.”

“I can’t wait to come back again.”