Southend seafront packed out as Easter weekend starts

Photos show families gathering on the popular City Beach and a packed out seafront as Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said Britons could bask in “warm sunshine” on Good Friday afternoon.

The Met Office said the weather is widely set to be “fine and relatively nice” over the long weekend with “some sunshine” before “rain for most places” on Bank Holiday Monday.

It said much of the UK, “especially in the west”, will be rain-free and enjoy sunny spells on Friday, despite a “frosty start in places”.

Families enjoying the sun on Southend seafront (Image: Newsquest)

On Thursday, Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said Britons could bask in “warm sunshine” on Good Friday afternoon, with highs of “15C or 16C" in the south.

The Met Office later said: “Sunnier skies will see temperatures rise as high as 16C or 17C during the day.”

Essex Police have put measures in place in Southend this Easter weekend to prevent anti-social behaviour.

Officers will be visible across the city throughout the days and evenings in order to deal with any incidents.

The force is also aware of two gatherings, which have not been officially organised but are planned to take place in the city on Easter Monday.

Day-trippers are enjoying sunny spells on Good Friday (Image: Newsquest)

In response, Southend City Council has made arrangements to direct anyone on a motorbike to the Eastern Esplanade car park, formerly known as the Gas Works.

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Police are also aware that an unrelated car cruise event may be taking place in the same area on Monday evening.

A dispersal order has been authorised for Easter Monday covering all of Southend seafront which will allow officers to order people suspected of acting or driving or riding a vehicle antisocially to leave the area.

Anyone who refuses that request could be arrested.