It is a scorcher in the city today with thousands descending on our beaches to soak up the sun.
Weather boffins have already said today is the hottest day of the year so far at a blistering 31C.
The pebbles were packed with people who had come from all over the country to cool off and take in the sights and sounds of the two piers and the bustling Lanes.
Andrew and Suzanne Ellidge (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)
The beach drew crowds from across the country including Andrew and Suzanne Ellidge from Manchester.
The pair are in the South East for four days visiting their son who lives in Croydon.
"We are here all day and the weather is perfect," Andrew said.
Suzanne, 62, said: "We came here for one day last year and really liked it. We had breakfast in a cafe on the seafront.
"This year we are back and I think it is lovely down here. We're drinking, eating and walking down the seafront."
Sunbathers in front of the stage for the On The Beach festival which starts this evening (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)
In the interests of research The Argus grabbed an ice cream from Boho Gelato in Pool Valley to see how long it would take to melt in the bright sunlight.
It was only seconds before drips started to fall off the cone and on to the floor - and ten minutes later there was almost nothing left.
Enough to take a bite, though.
The Met Office said it is likely to remain very warm overnight, but things will begin to cool down over the weekend and there could be thunderstorms overnight into Saturday.
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