HUGE crowds flocked to the Sunshine Coast for a new beach festival as temperatures soared.

Tens of thousands of people sizzled in the sun as they enjoyed Sunday's Beside the Seaside event in Clacton.

The music belted out for almost seven hours from the main stage and there were activities on the beach as visitors of all ages soaked up the fun.

Bands included The Hit List, The Spiderz, Indigo 90, Raz, Denial, Twist, Dilute to Taste and Abbie Hartley.

On the Upper Promenade the entertainment began with the Witham and Rivenhall Air Training Corps Marching Band, followed by the local Royalettes Twirling Team.

Acoustic music was brought to the festival by Essex Rocks and featured Leyline Pass, Luke Fisher and Sparrowhawk.

There were walk-about pirates and giant puppets from Clare Fitzgerald on the Lower Promenade.

The event was staged by the Harwich Festival team and Tendring Council.

It replaced the Sea and Beach Festival which has been held for the past two years.

Council tourism boss Tanya Ferguson said: “We decided to go for one day in Clacton and one in Harwich later in the summer, rather than having both days in Clacton on the same weekend.

“It was great to see all the beaches packed out and there was hardly a square inch of space on the West Beach.

"One family even got down there at 6am to claim their spot on the sand.

“I would like to thank all those involved in making this a huge success and I am already looking forward to August for the event in Harwich.”

On Palace Beach there was entertainment for children with a sand sculpting and sandcastle competition, face painting, kite flying and storytelling.

Peter Davis, of the Harwich Festival added: “We were blessed with the perfect weather and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky all day.

"It was fantastic to see so many people having fun and enjoying themselves beside the seaside.”

A second Beside the Seaside Festival takes place in Harwich on August 13.