BOURNEMOUTH and Poole are set for cracking weather over the Easter weekend – and we could see temperatures hit 20C.

Last weekend Bournemouth was left shivering under cloudy skies with highs of just 9C, well below the monthly average of around 14C.

However, this weekend will come as a welcome relief to those hoping to get outside over the Easter break and even enjoy a trip to the beach. Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said Good Friday will be pleasant before the mercury rises to exceed 20C (68F) in areas on Saturday and Sunday, making it warmer than Palma in Majorca which will see heavy rain on Saturday and highs of 18C. By the weekend we could see in parts of the country temperatures of around 20C, or just above.

It will be the first holiday weekend where tourism all along the conurbation comes under the new BCP Council.

The warm weather has been forecast for south of England as well as western Scotland and the north west of England.

Jon Weaver, head of resort marketing and events, said: “This Easter weekend is looking to be a glorious one and we hope it continues! The spring/summer season has begun and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the UK’s best beach and premier destination. The seafront team are ready and the weather predictions are great.”

An array of entertainment awaits visitors to Bournemouth over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Friday and Saturday will see an interactive Mad Hatter-themed Easter trail around the town centre.

Children and their families will get the chance to see the best of the town as they follow the trail, bumping into themed character performers, a hoop dancer, a toadstool forest and face painters.

The event features a trail map, which encourages the public to search for giant eggs displayed in local business windows. Once the trail is complete the participants will be entered into a prize draw for one of three amazing hampers, with goodies from local businesses including a £30 Monsoon voucher, L’Occitane egg gift, family passes for Mr Mulligans, a Tiger gift set and a voucher for All Fired Up. Anyone who wants to take part should go to Horseshoe Common on either day between 10.30am and 3pm.

On Easter Monday, there will be a free family fun day at the Triangle. Between 11am and 4pm, there will be entertainment from Jamie Jigsaw, Count Backwards, Funky Little Choir, Funky Little Singers, Jamie Jambo and Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey The Dragon.

The event has been organised by the Bournemouth Town Centre BID.