THE burgers and hot dogs on the food stalls at Nottingham Riviera weren't the only things sizzling at the summer attraction's official launch.
Crowds on the huge sandy beach that now makes up much of the Old Market Square were baking yesterday as the thermometer in "Hottingham" reached a scorching 28C – but nobody was complaining.
Now in its fifth year, the city centre's quirky version of a British seaside resort was packed with families keen to make the world's best sandcastle or splash about in the refreshing paddling pool (still a gorgeous shade of aqua).
"We grabbed a parasol as soon as we got here," said a cool-looking Becky Candlin, 38, from Cotgrave.
"I think they're going to need a few more if the weather carries on like this though."
She was enjoying the first day of the beach with 18-month-old toddler Charlie and mum Maggie Steel, 65, also from Cotgrave.
"I brought my older daughter loads last year and we loved it," Becky added.
"It's lovely having the sand between your toes and the kids are happy for hours. The beach area seems much bigger this year too.
"When you've got something like this in the city centre there's really no need to go to Skegness."
Nearby, Sarah Stevens, 42, from Borrowash, was letting daughters Flora, eight, and Tilly, six, entertain themselves with those must-have accessories for Nottingham Riviera – a bucket and spade.
"We've not been before and I didn't expect it to be like this. It's much bigger and better than I thought it would be," Sarah said. "We have only usually been to the beach in places like Devon so it's very different for us.
"The girls really got into the spirit of it. They were straight into their bikinis as soon as we arrived."
Along with 260 tonnes of sand imported from Cheshire, this year's Riviera has a busy beach bar, lots of family rides and a couple of thrilling new additions – notably a big swinging pirate ship (probably best not to go on that after a particularly strong cocktail).
There are also eye-catching new "high ropes" designed to test the climbing skills of kids and adults alike – and visitors will also be able to battle it out with friends and family on the brand new dodgems.
Roman Reis, 39, from Sneinton, was showing no signs of needing to do anything so strenuous as he relaxed in the shade while kids Santino, 18 months, and Gino, six, played happily nearby. He said: "We've only moved here recently from the Czech Republic.
"It's very nice to have a beach to come to now – the boys will be wanting to come here all the summer."
The free deckchairs were filling up quickly as the afternoon continued to heat up and the Halle Youth Orchestra set up to perform in the water fountain area.
Rebecca Alsop, 27, from Bestwood Park, was cooling off next to the children's rides as children Bethany, eight, Kaci, five and Kayden, two, had a spin on the balloons.
"We came last year all the time, we love it," she said. "There don't seem to be as many rides this time, I don't think, but maybe that's a good thing as people can just play on the beach and save their money.
"I don't mind it if it stays hot, you just need to make sure you pack the sun cream and bring lots of cold drinks with you. It is nice to stand in the shade and watch the kids have their fun."
One area already proving popular at the Riviera was the big paddling pool, where Jamie Cresswell-Seeley, ten, from Sneinton, was having a splashing time to celebrate his school breaking up for the summer.
Dad Robert Seeley, 42, said: "It's really good, isn't it? And there's no excuse for the kids to be bored in the holidays when they can come down here and have fun."
Running for five weeks until September 2, the city council is quick to point out that Nottingham Riviera is provided at no cost to the taxpayer thanks once again to a partnership with the Mellors Group.
Councillor David Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: "Year after year Nottingham Riviera proves to be a real hit with families from across the city.
"Once again it brings the seaside to the heart of the city for everyone to enjoy. So bring your family down to the Old Market Square, pull up a deckchair and enjoy the fun. There's something here for everyone."
