In June 2020, as the UK endured a sweltering heatwave, the beaches of Dorset—particularly Bournemouth—became the epicenter of chaos during the Covid pandemic. Despite ongoing public health warnings and social distancing guidelines, thousands of people flocked to the coast, seeking relief from record-breaking temperatures that soared above 33°C. The influx was so overwhelming that local authorities described the scenes as “like those seen on a bank holiday,” with gridlocked streets, overflowing bins, and fights breaking out among sunbathers.

The situation rapidly escalated, prompting Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to declare a major incident. Officials condemned the crowds as “irresponsible,” noting that services were stretched to the limit as they struggled to manage the sheer volume of visitors. Dispersal orders were issued on piers, overnight campers were evicted, and additional police patrols were deployed to maintain order. Local MP Tobias Ellwood called the crowds the worst he had ever seen, while the Daily Telegraph described the scene as “Armageddon”.

Photographer Glyn Kirk, assigned to document the event, captured the surreal juxtaposition of pandemic anxiety and summer revelry. He observed that while some beachgoers attempted to distance themselves, the sheer density made it nearly impossible. Public restrooms remained closed due to Covid protocols, leading to further health concerns as waste accumulated and people resorted to makeshift solutions. Over two days, waste management teams cleared approximately 41 tonnes of rubbish, including human waste, from the beaches.

Amid the crowds, very few people wore face masks, and those who did were often met with ridicule. Police struggled to reach the seafront due to illegally parked cars, and security staff faced abuse while trying to enforce basic safety measures. The packed beaches, overflowing with people and litter, stood in stark contrast to the ongoing public health crisis, as the UK’s Covid death toll continued to climb and officials pleaded for personal responsibility.