THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to Bournemouth this weekend to enjoy the scorching temperatures as the heatwave hit our shores.
During the last weekend before the summer holidays, visitors from across the country packed the beach to enjoy soaring temperatures.
With wall-to-wall sunshine and barely a cloud in the sky above Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, temperatures reached the late 20s.
People enjoy the weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset. Picture date: Saturday July 17, 2021. PA
Sunseekers arrived on our golden sandy beaches from the early hours on both Saturday and Sunday to secure their spot in the sun.
Whilst the majority of people heeded the council's warnings, a minority of visitors continued to park illegally - BCP Council had issued 319 parking tickets by 5pm on Saturday and a further 625 tickets were issued on Sunday.
Pictures taken from the seafront on Saturday revealed the scale of the crowds that had gathered.
People enjoy the weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset. Picture date: Saturday July 17, 2021. PA
Sorted Surf Shop on Boscombe Beach completely sold out of parasols over the weekend as hundreds rushed to buy some shade from the blazing sun.
People set up on the sand for the entire day on both Saturday and Sunday, with many bringing gazebos, inflatable lilos, and even some tents to enjoy the sun safely.
Whilst some were able to get protection from the sun in the shade, others opted to cool themselves off by taking a dip in the sea.
The sea was gentle enough for paddleboarders to hit the water - which was warm and sparkling-clear due to the scorching weather.
People enjoy the weather on Bournemouth beach in Dorset. Picture date: Saturday July 17, 2021. PA
It was the last weekend under lockdown restrictions, with social distancing and mask wearing no longer mandatory across England from today, Monday, July 19.
Data released by the government shows 594 cases were confirmed in Dorset in the 24 hours leading up to 4pm on Sunday.
The BCP Council area recorded 403 new cases, taking the total since the start of the pandemic to 30,496.
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