Britons hit beaches and parks amid glorious 65F Easter sunshine after lockdown eased

Hundreds have hit Britain’s beaches and parks for Easter Sunday amid gloriously warm temperatures in the South of England as lockdown restrictions are eased – and it is revealed that the first Covid-safe events will take place in April and May. 

Temperatures reached 64.4F (18C) this afternoon in the South of England, as northern parts saw highs of 59F (15C), with more cloud cover and possible rain moving in later this evening.  

In another step towards normality sports minister Nigel Huddleston confirmed this afternoon that a wave of pilot events, likely to be announced for April and May, will trial testing attendees before and after large scale events rather than using a vaccine passport.

Huddleston said: ‘It is not just about certification actually, in fact the earlier programmes, the earlier pilots almost certainly won’t involve any element of certification but it will involve testing, making sure people are tested before and after the event. 

‘What we will be looking at is the mitigation measures, so the ventilation, one-way systems, hygiene measures, all of those kind of things to help inform long term decision making.’ 

Trial events include 21,000 fans at the FA Cup Final at Wembley, spectators at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield and a mass participation run in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.       

Plans to force drinkers and families out for a meal to show a coronavirus vaccine passport to get into pubs and restaurants appeared to have been scrapped by Boris Johnson in the face of huge political opposition.   

Family groups met to enjoy the warm weather outside today before temperatures across the UK are forecast to plummet with a cold snap threatening snow in some areas on Monday. 

Easter Monday is expected to bring wet and very windy weather across much of the UK and cooler temperatures, falling to 44F (7C) by tomorrow morning and to lows of 23F (-5C) in parts of northern Scotland. 

The Met Office has issued three snow and wind warnings covering most of Scotland from today until Monday night – in what is predicted to be a three-day cold snap bringing ‘heavy snow showers’. England’s east coast could also see snow showers following today’s sunshine.

The Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth proved popular today, Easter Sunday, as the Spring sun shone in Hampshire

Friends Roisin, Aislin and Gillian made the most of the warm weather on Easter Sunday as they met up for a picnic on Wimbledon Common

Friends Roisin, Aislin and Gillian made the most of the warm weather on Easter Sunday as they met up for a picnic on Wimbledon Common

Temperatures across the UK are expected to plummet as we head through the Easter weekend though, with the cold snap threatening snow in some areas on Monday

Temperatures across the UK are expected to plummet as we head through the Easter weekend though, with the cold snap threatening snow in some areas on Monday

Runners enjoy the sun in Sandbanks, Dorset, where hundreds have taken to the beach to soak up the Easter Sunday rays

 Runners enjoy the sun in Sandbanks, Dorset, where hundreds have taken to the beach to soak up the Easter Sunday rays

A couple are seen walking a dog on Sandbanks beach, Dorset, in the early morning sun this Easter Sunday

A couple are seen walking a dog on Sandbanks beach, Dorset, in the early morning sun this Easter Sunday

People flocked to the beaches during the Bank Holiday as a sea of cars parked near the Storey Arms in the Brecon Beacons on Sunday

People flocked to the beaches during the Bank Holiday as a sea of cars parked near the Storey Arms in the Brecon Beacons on Sunday

Brave individuals take a dip in the sea on Sandbanks beach in Dorset, despite top temperatures only reaching 64.4F (18C)

Brave individuals take a dip in the sea on Sandbanks beach in Dorset, despite top temperatures only reaching 64.4F (18C)

A couple relaxed together in Wimbledon Common in south London during the spring sunshine on the balmy Bank Holiday weekend

A couple relaxed together in Wimbledon Common in south London during the spring sunshine on the balmy Bank Holiday weekend

Two women are seen taking the plunge in Sandbanks on a sunny but crisp feeling Easter Sunday morning

Two women are seen taking the plunge in Sandbanks on a sunny but crisp feeling Easter Sunday morning

Two people are seen going for an Easter Sunday dip in the cold water in Sandbanks, Dorset, where many have taken to the sea

Two people are seen going for an Easter Sunday dip in the cold water in Sandbanks, Dorset, where many have taken to the sea

People sat enjoying the sunshine in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire on Easter Sunday

People sat enjoying the sunshine in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire on Easter Sunday

A trio of friends took advantage of the relaxed coronavirus restrictions as they met outside on Wimbledon Common on Sunday

A trio of friends took advantage of the relaxed coronavirus restrictions as they met outside on Wimbledon Common on Sunday

Paddle boarders make the most of the early sunshine in Southsea, Hampshire, on Easter Sunday, before temperatures are set to plummet on Monday

Paddle boarders make the most of the early sunshine in Southsea, Hampshire, on Easter Sunday, before temperatures are set to plummet on Monday

A group of four take a dip in the sea in Southsea, Hampshire, on Easter Sunday

A group of four take a dip in the sea in Southsea, Hampshire, on Easter Sunday

With Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown now allowing for two households to meet in a group of six outdoors, families have joined together today to celebrate in an almost pre-covid fashion. 

The dire forecast came as people flocked to parks and public spaces, including Liverpool’s Sefton Park and Stratford-upon-Avon, in Warwickshire, to enjoy the sunshine on Easter Sunday. 

Met Office forecaster Sarah Kent said: ‘We will see this plunge of much colder conditions coming in. It’s Arctic maritime air, which does mean it’s coming from the Arctic.

‘So it’s going to be cold for everybody, but also windy too. The wind chill is going to be significant.’  

Southern England can expect to see some sunshine and highs of 7C later in the day, but gusts of up to 30mph will make the temperature ‘feel like’ -1C, Ms Kent said.  

She added: ‘Today is a lovely day for an Easter egg hunt in the back garden, whereas tomorrow if you were doing one you’d probably want to wear three jumpers.’  

Overnight in Sandbanks, Dorset, police were forced to disperse crowds for the second night in a row after groups that had been drinking on the beach throughout Saturday refused to go home after a day in the sun.

Several males and one female was taken away by the police during the evening, which also saw boy racers zoom up and down the exclusive stretch of coast line.

 Sandbanks’ local Tesco has been so busy selling alcohol to the groups that it had one very large delivery of beer during the evening to maintain stock levels during the easter weekend.

Sandbanks locals have made many complaints to the police in the past few days and many stayed indoors whilst the trouble ensued, Sandbanks has some of the most expensive real estate in the uk and police have a real battle to contain the partying during the hot weather as Covid-19 rules relax.     

Elsewhere in the UK this morning, paddle boarders were seen making the most of the early sunshine in Southsea, Hampshire. 

Meanwhile brave souls in Sandbanks were seen stripping down to their swimming cosies to take a dip in the sea, with many opening up their beach huts to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. 

In Cambridgeshire Police were seen patrolling the banks of the River Great Ouse near Ely to stop crowds gathering ahead of the Men’s Boat Race. 

People enjoy the sunny weather in Sefton Park in Liverpool on Easter Sunday

People enjoy the sunny weather in Sefton Park in Liverpool on Easter Sunday

Families gather together in Sefton Park in Liverpool on Easter Sunday, as the rule of six permits two households to meet outdoors

Families gather together in Sefton Park in Liverpool on Easter Sunday, as the rule of six permits two households to meet outdoors

Hundreds made their way to parks for an Easter Sunday walk as the sun shone today, on the first weekend since covid restrictions were eased

Hundreds made their way to parks for an Easter Sunday walk as the sun shone today, on the first weekend since covid restrictions were eased

An easter bunny is seen among the daffodils in Sefton Park in Liverpool, as families make the most of the sunshine

An easter bunny is seen among the daffodils in Sefton Park in Liverpool, as families make the most of the sunshine

A stunning orange glow is pictured over Edinburgh Castle at sunrise on Easter Sunday

A stunning orange glow is pictured over Edinburgh Castle at sunrise on Easter Sunday

The waning gibbous moon is visible at daybreak on a cold Easter Sunday morning in, Dunsden, Oxfordshire

The waning gibbous moon is visible at daybreak on a cold Easter Sunday morning in, Dunsden, Oxfordshire

Groups of people out in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, on sunny Easter Sunday

Groups of people out in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, on sunny Easter Sunday

Groups of people out in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire as Easter Sunday brings warm weather across the South of England

Groups of people out in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire as Easter Sunday brings warm weather across the South of England

Groups of people out in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire - making the most of the warm weather before lows of 23F (-5C) are expected tomorrow as part of a cold snap

Groups of people out in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire – making the most of the warm weather before lows of 23F (-5C) are expected tomorrow as part of a cold snap

A family feed swans and ducks in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, Easter Sunday

A family feed swans and ducks in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, Easter Sunday

A man rows along the river Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire. Easter Sunday

A couple take a selfie underneath a blooming tree in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire

A couple take a selfie underneath a blooming tree in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire

With a cold snap expected to bring a drop of around 50F (10C) tomorrow farmers have shared their fears for tiny newborn Easter lambs, who are at risk of shivering to death from hypothermia as temperatures plunge to Arctic-like sub-zero levels with the threat of snow this week.

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, said: ‘Sheep and livestock farmers, especially in the UK’s uplands, are acutely aware of the potential for a spring cold snap which can bring devastation and soul-destroying losses during lambing time.

‘The sector has endured several cold weather events during recent springs and these have wrought considerable hardship to both stock and hill farmers. 

‘However, being aware of the approaching change in weather type will allow farmers to buffer the impacts by taking action to avoid the worst losses.’ 

Sandbanks beach seen on Easter Sunday morning as small groups gather to meet with family as permitted under the rule of six as covid restrictions are eased

Sandbanks beach seen on Easter Sunday morning as small groups gather to meet with family as permitted under the rule of six as covid restrictions are eased

Brave swimmers make their way back to a beach hut after taking a dip in the sea in Sandbanks, Easter Sunday

Brave swimmers make their way back to a beach hut after taking a dip in the sea in Sandbanks, Easter Sunday

Runners burn off their easter chocolate on a jog along the seafront in Sandbanks, Dorset, Easter Sunday

Runners burn off their easter chocolate on a jog along the seafront in Sandbanks, Dorset, Easter Sunday

A young family get ready to go paddle boarding in Sandbanks this morning, with the whole family involved

A young family get ready to go paddle boarding in Sandbanks this morning, with the whole family involved

Family's gather in beach front huts on Sandbanks, as the weather and covid restrictions finally allow the meetings

Family’s gather in beach front huts on Sandbanks, as the weather and covid restrictions finally allow the meetings

A man uses a metal detector on Sandbanks in Dorset in the hopes of finding lockdown treasure on Easter Sunday

A man uses a metal detector on Sandbanks in Dorset in the hopes of finding lockdown treasure on Easter Sunday

A man is seen pulling his rubber dingy from the water in Sandbanks, Dorset. Swimmers can be seen braving the water behind

A man is seen pulling his rubber dingy from the water in Sandbanks, Dorset. Swimmers can be seen braving the water behind

A family wrap up warm for a stroll on the breezy but sunny Sandbanks beach this morning, as the weather remains warm for Easter Sunday before temperatures are due to plummet

A family wrap up warm for a stroll on the breezy but sunny Sandbanks beach this morning, as the weather remains warm for Easter Sunday before temperatures are due to plummet

A couple are seen in their swimming gear after taking the plunge on Sandbanks beach for morning exercise

A couple are seen in their swimming gear after taking the plunge on Sandbanks beach for morning exercise

Groups drank on the beach and pavements ignoring social distancing and the police's repeated requests to disperse and go home after a day in the sun in Sandbanks, Dorset, in the early hours of this morning

Groups drank on the beach and pavements ignoring social distancing and the police’s repeated requests to disperse and go home after a day in the sun in Sandbanks, Dorset, in the early hours of this morning

Large groups are seen gathering outside Tescos in Sandbanks, Dorset, where crowds have gathered for the second night after good weather brought them to the beach

Large groups are seen gathering outside Tescos in Sandbanks, Dorset, where crowds have gathered for the second night after good weather brought them to the beach

Sandbanks has some of the most expensive real estate in the uk and police have a real battle to contain the partying during the hot weather as covid-19 rules relax

Sandbanks has some of the most expensive real estate in the uk and police have a real battle to contain the partying during the hot weather as covid-19 rules relax

The local Tesco has been so busy selling alcohol to the groups that it had one very large delivery of beer during the evening to maintain stock levels during the easter weekend in Sandbanks, Dorset

The local Tesco has been so busy selling alcohol to the groups that it had one very large delivery of beer during the evening to maintain stock levels during the easter weekend in Sandbanks, Dorset

Guy Barter, chief horticulturalist at the Royal Horticultural Society, warned gardeners not to be in a rush to plant seeds and flowers: ‘Overnight frosts in April are dreaded by gardeners.

‘Magnolia and camellia flowers are ruined, fruit blossom and young fruitlets including pears and apples are spoiled and the tender tips of potatoes will be burnt off if they appear above ground.

‘Gardener’s hearts are in their mouths through April as they anxiously scan the weather forecasts for frost warnings ready to rush out and cover vulnerable plants to ward off damage.’  

A pair of rowers travel along the River Thames at Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Easter Sunday

A pair of rowers travel along the River Thames at Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Easter Sunday

A man is questioned by police as he tries to go down the footpath by the River Great Ouse where the Boat Race will be held, between Ely and Littleport in Cambridgeshire

A man is questioned by police as he tries to go down the footpath by the River Great Ouse where the Boat Race will be held, between Ely and Littleport in Cambridgeshire 

George Peacock from Ely (left) was reportedly questioned by police for 45 minutes before being released after agreeing to leave the area. No fine was issued. Spectators could be fined up to £200 if they try to watch the world-famous Boat Race

George Peacock from Ely (left) was reportedly questioned by police for 45 minutes before being released after agreeing to leave the area. No fine was issued. Spectators could be fined up to £200 if they try to watch the world-famous Boat Race

Police patrol the river banks ahead of the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire

Police patrol the river banks ahead of the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire

Police patrol the river banks before the Men's Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire, Easter Sunday

Police patrol the river banks before the Men’s Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire, Easter Sunday

Crowds gathered to watch the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire, but were moved on by police

Crowds gathered to watch the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire, but were moved on by police

Police patrol the river bank before the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire

Police patrol the river bank before the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire

People walk along the river bank by the start line before the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire

People walk along the river bank by the start line before the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire

Police vans arrive in Ely before the Men's Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire. Picture date: Sunday April 4

Police vans arrive in Ely before the Men’s Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire. Picture date: Sunday April 4

Police near the start line of the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire

Police near the start line of the Boat Race on the River Great Ouse near Ely in Cambridgeshire

Another warning from Prickles and Paws, based in Cubert near Newquay, Cornwall, urged gardeners to be cautious when using their strimmers in the warm weather. 

The vet has taken in more strimmer-injured hedgehogs in the past fortnight than in the whole of 2020.

In just a few days they treated five and tragically, four had to be put to sleep because of the severity of their injuries.

Spokeswoman Katy South said it is the same grim picture across Britain as people rush out to spring clean their lawns and sort out their shrubberies.

They’re also appealing to people with allotments to check for hedgehogs first before firing up the strimmer.

She said: ‘Carefully inspecting all areas of long grass and undergrowth before mowing or strimming can save hedgehogs and other wildlife, as they hibernate, nest and forage within this environment’

Council workers begin the task of clearing up the litter left on Southsea Common in Hampshire today, following nice weather over the Easter weekend

Council workers begin the task of clearing up the litter left on Southsea Common in Hampshire today, following nice weather over the Easter weekend

Temperatures are expected to drop, but the Spring-like conditions over the last few days have brought many lockdown-weary Brits back outdoors

Temperatures are expected to drop, but the Spring-like conditions over the last few days have brought many lockdown-weary Brits back outdoors