Beach towels at the ready: 100,000 set to flock to Bournemouth this weekend to bask in 23C

Approximately 100,000 people are expected to visit Bournemouth Beach and take in temperatures of around 23 degrees.

A total of 30,000 ice creams are expected to be sold, while 3,000 deckchairs are likely to be hired out.

Head of Operations at Bournemouth Seafront Chris Saunders said: “The weather this weekend is looking promising, with lots of sunshine and temperatures reaching 23 degrees.

“The warm weather means we will be welcoming huge numbers of people intent on making the most of Bournemouth’s spectacular coastline. As well the glorious beaches, residents and visitors will be able to ride the land train, visit the Oceanarium or enjoy a meal at the Prom Café, all set to be busy this upcoming weekend.”

There are also plenty of events going on around Dorset this weekend. Boscombe Beach will host Britain’s first Beach Rugby Tournament. The European Beach Rugby Association is running the event tomorrow and Sunday, with eight male and six female teams taking part to raise money for the Braintrust charity.

Elsewhere, the Pretty Muddy five-kilometre obstacle course will be at Baiter Park in Poole tomorrow. The event raises money for Cancer Research and starts at various times throughout the day.

Also in Poole, tomorrow marks Harry Paye Day, where the town celebrates its infamous pirate son with a day of pirate-themed family fun.

On Sunday, Poole also has its Race for Life. The five-kilometre route takes in the sights of Poole Park, Whitecliff Recreational Ground and the Harbourside. The race raises money for Cancer Research.

In Bournemouth, the food and drink festival runs throughout the weekend.

Echo editor Andy Martin will be in the People’s Kitchen in a cook-off with BBC Radio Solent presenter Steve Harris tomorrow when the pair will attempt to recreate a dish which has been prepared by professional chefs Des Burke and Andy Chu. The mayor of Bournemouth will also be taking part in a cooking challenge.