Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach was forced to turn away walk-ins on 9 May, after demand for the discount £10 wristbands at its Locals Weekend exceeded “all expectations.”

Though prior bookings were honoured by management, dozens of families were forced to find alternative entertainment as a result of unexpectedly high visitor numbers.

“Due to demand which has exceeded all of our expectations today, we are not accepting walk up admissions,” said a spokesperson at lunchtime. “Any further admissions for today are prepaid online orders only.”

“We understand many people have been disappointed being turned away at the gate, and we will be putting a notice out this evening with more information! Thanks for your understanding and patience. On a positive note it’s incredible to see the park filled with people enjoying the sunshine on the coast today.”

Speaking after the event, the park took to social media to acknowledge “we were overwhelmed by the response.”