It felt like the cold winter weather would continue forever when the Beast from the East refused to go away last month. But with an amazing weekend of weather expected it is our big chance to get out and enjoy ourselves, but what can you do for free?

Saturday sees InCarNation turn Madeira Drive on Brighton seafront into an exhibition of some of the finest high performance and modified cars in the UK.

Again hosted by Ace Café, this free to attend, drive-up and display event is now in its eighth year, having emerged from the popularity of Ace’s monthly InCarNation night.

The display has grown in scale every year since, with 2017 seeing over 1100 club cars on display. As this year marks the 70th anniversary of Ace Café there are set to be yet more vehicles, including classic cars, hot rods, street-tuned racers, and exotic supercars.

Car Clubs from all over the country will be descending on Brighton beach and vying for the prizes awarded for best club displays and the best individual displays.

Though the event aims itself squarely at driving and car enthusiasts, it will feature interactive stands and live entertainment until 6pm.

WHY NOT head away from the seafront and have a walk on the South Downs.

You can head to Birling Gap and walk inland to East Dean. Then of course there is Devil’s Dyke, a favourite spot for many.

Or head to Alfriston and walk along the route behind the village.

Nearby there is Friston Forest where you can also join the South Downs Way.

There are plenty of lovely walks along the South Downs Way in Sussex too.

Why not try out the great walk in our TV supplement today?

Natalie Leal’s route takes her around the charming surroundings of Bosham Quay, with all its history, churches and cosy pubs.

Bosham isn’t exactly the most frequented spot in Sussex, but it’s all the better for that – you can enjoy the scenery in peace. Be sure to visit Bosham meadow, a great place to watch the boats sail by.

WE ALL remember the classic Blur song Parklife.

This weekend will be the perfect time to get a picnic ready and roll out a blanket to enjoy some cucumber sandwiches.

If you’re near the city centre you can head to The Level or Queen’s Park.

Then there’s Hove Park too. Or if you’re over by Eastbourne the Princes Park or Hampden Park, both are lovely.

Our vote may well go to Dyke Road Park. It’s not big but there is a very good children’s play park. You can have fun in the little maze type area and then there is a great cafe there too. And if it gets really hot you can duck into Booth Museum of Natural History. It is always a great day out.

The Booth Museum is all about birds, butterflies, fossils, and bones. Founded as a Victorian collector’s private museum, it brings natural history to life with interactive displays and ‘hands on’ activities. It also has the Sussex Wildlife Trust photographic competition

MANY of Sussex’s animal rescue centres offer a great day out.

Cats Protection at Chelwood Gate is always fantastic as it has different areas where you can meet the lovely cats and kittens. There is a good cafe and shop and then there is a fantastic walk around the grounds, where you can meet the donkeys and stroll through the woods.

Raystede, also near Lewes, at Ringmer, is a big rescue centre with different types of animals, including dogs, chickens, cats and guinea pigs.

For £2 you can even have a guided tour and go behind the scenes.

One of the best areas to visit is the aviary, where rescued birds are now kept, not to be rehomed but to enjoy a bigger living space.

Some of the parrots talk back at you in hugely funny ways.

Raystede has a great cafe too.

GET on your bike.

Head out on two wheels and feel the wind in your hair. If you ride west from the Brighton Palace Pier and along the seafront you can spend a day at stopping at various spots from the pier and go as far as you like. You might get to Shoreham Beach and Worthing or beyond.

Heading east from the Brighton Palace Pier is more of a vigorous ride, over the hills if you get to Rottingdean and Saltdean. But that will do you good as long as it’s not too hot and your bike’s ok.

Of course you could head straight to the Preston Park Velodrome.

It is the oldest cycle track in the country. Situated in the north east corner of Preston Park, it offers cyclists a unique track racing experience.

It offers bike hire on an hourly or seasonal basis and is the ideal venue for cycle clubs and youth groups to practice and compete. New riders can expect a warm welcome. Also, if you are willing to pay, you can hire one of the bikes from one of the many bike stations dotted around.

DO YOU think there are no sandy beaches where children can play in the shallow water? Think again.

One of Sussex’s best kept secrets is the beach close to Newhaven East of the harbour.

It is not easy to get to as you will need to walk from Newhaven Town train station or park at Tide Mills or in Newhaven.

Then you will have to walk but it will be worth it.

Just on the eastern side of the harbour wall the children can often run around in the shallow water to their heart’s content.

We have great sandy beaches at Camber Sands in East Sussex and also in West Sussex at West Wittering.

If you're visiting the latter, be sure to check out East Dean by walking in a Westerly direction from the main beach.

Here you can find many sand dunes, as well as lots of green space to picnic in.

There is plenty of room for children to run around in and play ball games.

We recommend The Beach House restaurant near the entrance to the beach for good, cheap food.

BRIGHTON beach can keep us all busy all day.

If you head East from the Brighton Palace Pier then you will find a great free play park close to the Yellowave Beach Sports Venue.

In this heat it will be a great chance to go to the play park just West of the i360 and head next door to the water play area. Children can play in the pool with mushroom spout and water pads.

There is a great big sandpit on the East side of the i360 and West Pier where children will play for a long time, allowing you to sit back and enjoy yourselves.

It won’t be free but grab an ice cream and a drink and enjoy yourself while the children play.

Obviously a trip to Brighton beach is never complete without a stroll along Brighton Palace Pier.

Again it won’t be free to go on the rides, but if you want to splash out the children will be happy.

The vintage amusement arcade is a cheap option but again not free, just west of the pier.

If you need to get out of the sun why not head to the Pavilion Gardens, where you can find a shady spot and watch the world go by.

Or maybe just go for a paddle as long as it's safe to do so.

On Satursday at 3pm, Hove Rugby Football Club Men’s first 11 will face off against Old Reigatian in the Level 7 playoff.

After a late season wobble that made it seem that the team would lose the race to second place, but having won against Deal and confirming their playoff position, a loss from Old Reigatian handed Hove a home tie.

Prior to the main event’s kick-off, Hove RFC Women’s XVs will face off against a set of touring teams and the Men’s 3rd XV will be playing against Gay and Inclusive affiliate club, The Sea Serpents, kicking off at 12.30pm. All of the matches will be taking place at Hove Recreation ground, where there will be bars, BBQs and an ice cream van for spectators to utilise, as well as the try scoring inflatable that was used during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Promotion is at stake, and Hove RFC have a home record that has seen only one loss this season. Head down to support the club in their first playoff match since 2010.