BUSINESSES across the city are expecting one of their busiest weekends as visitors from across the country flock to the coast to soak up the summer sun.

Thousands of people are expected to pack Brighton beach this weekend as temperatures hit 25C.

Attractions across the city, including the Palace Pier, are expecting huge numbers of visitors.

The Argus: Sunbathers by Brighton Palace Pier last weekendSunbathers by Brighton Palace Pier last weekend

Anne Ackord, chief operating officer for the Brighton Pier Group, said: “The forecast looks great for the weekend and going into next week.

“It’s been a long time since we experienced such a continuous hot spell and those of us who remember that very hot summer of 1976 will know that a trip to the seaside is the ideal way to enjoy this amazing start to the summer season.

“This could be the busiest weekend we have seen in a long time and we look forward to welcoming our residents and visitors to soak up the sun and enjoy the best of our city.”

No summer’s day is complete without ice cream and Maria Takeuchi, co-owner of Boho Gelato said they are expecting a very busy weekend, as beachgoers grab a refreshing treat to enjoy the sunshine.

“Even last weekend was absolutely manic, and I’m expecting it to be even busier.

“I think last weekend people went a bit mad because it was the first bit of sun, but now that we’ve had it for a while people will want to come down to Brighton and enjoy themselves.

“We’re known in Brighton and we’ve been here for the last 13 years, so I think we’re a bit of a destination in the warm weather.

The Argus: Maria Takeuchi, co-owner of Boho Gelato, with a tub of sour cherry gelatoMaria Takeuchi, co-owner of Boho Gelato, with a tub of sour cherry gelato

The award-winning independent retailer has made over 500 flavours since it first opened its doors in 2010, but what flavour is the most requested by customers during the heatwave?

“At the moment, the most popular is the sour cherry - it’s pure milk gelato, with the Sussex milk that we get delivered every morning, and the sour Italian Amarena cherry balances so nicely; it’s tangy, it’s creamy and once you try that, you’ll get addicted.”

Among their other popular flavours include a vegan peanut butter sea salt caramel flavour, as well as the classic pistachio and carrot cake, which Maria said is a favourite of Brighton YouTuber Zoella.

Those heading to Brighton Marina over the weekend can cool down and have fun at Globalls, which features glow-in-the-dark golf and a 1920s-inspired bar.

A spokeswoman for the venue said: “We are expecting to be busy this weekend, but we have three courses open now, so there’s plenty of space for the crowds.

“We also have DJs playing in the bar to entertain people wanting to cool down and have some fun.

“Brighton Marina is lovely in the sun and it has got everything you need here, so it’s perfect in this weather.”

An amber warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office for Sunday through until the end of Tuesday, with the heatwave causing the potential for serious illness or danger to life.

Temperatures will peak on Tuesday in Brighton at a high of 33C, with the mercury possibly set to soar to 40C for the first time ever in some parts of the UK.