Who remembers the summer of ‘76 when thousands flocked to the beaches to cool off?

Sidmouth Herald: Crowds flock to the beach at Jacob's Ladder. Taken 3 July, 1976. Picture: Sidmouth Herald archivesCrowds flock to the beach at Jacob's Ladder. Taken 3 July, 1976. Picture: Sidmouth Herald archives (Image: Copyright Archant)

Sidmouth residents may well recall the heatwave of 1976, when thousands of people flocked to the beach to cool off in the sea.

The heatwave of ‘76 occurred at a time when the country was already suffering from a severe drought, brought about by a dry year in 1975 and an exceptionally dry winter. The month of June was the hottest on record with a high of 35.6°C registered at Southampton Mayflower Park (source Met Office). The sweltering summer of ‘76 continued throughout June, July and August and some areas of the South West went for 45 days without rain in July and August.

These pictures from the Herald archive were taken on 3 July, 1976 and show the crowds of people that filled the beach at Jacob’s Ladder - Sidmouth.

Do you remember the summer of 1976? Share your photos and stories from across Devon by joining our Facebook nostalgia group: Devon Memories.

Sidmouth Herald: Crowds flock to the beach at Jacob's Ladder. Taken 3 July, 1976. Picture: Sidmouth Herald archivesCrowds flock to the beach at Jacob's Ladder. Taken 3 July, 1976. Picture: Sidmouth Herald archives (Image: Copyright Archant)