TRADERS along the seafront are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Weather forecasters predict clear skies and temperatures of up to 27C for what is an action-packed two days in Brighton.

The Paddle Round The Pier watersports festival, the Free The Nipple topless protest and the Sweden vs England World Cup match are just a few of the events that will be drawing the crowds to the city.

And businesses are expecting happy crowds and lots of trade.

Joe Williams, 28, chief instructor at Brighton Watersports, said: “It’s going to be pretty manic all weekend but I am totally super psyched for it all.”

Mr Williams will be manning a 2ft deep paddling pool for fellow stand-up paddlers attending Paddle Round The Pier on Hove Lawns.

“We have just had to strip down our store on the seafront and get everything out on display for all the visitors,” he said.

“We have taken out skateboards, surfboards, wetsuits, paddle boards, just a little of all our products to take up to Hove Lawns in preparation for the watersports festival.

“Given the good weather we want to make sure that we can provide as much water related entertainment as possible for people to splash around in the sea with and have some fun.”

The Brighton Watersports shop in King’s Road will also be open for residents and visitors who want to get in the water and cool down.

Mr Williams added: “I am really looking forward to seeing lots of people physically active in the sea and sun this weekend.”

Paddle Round The Pier starts today at Hove Lawns at 10am, finishing at 7pm for the day.

It opens at 10am again tomorrow.

The Paddle Something Unusual race, with people riding entertaining boats around the West Pier, starts at noon tomorrow.

The event finishes at 7pm tomorrow.

The Brighton Kite Festival today and tomorrow at Stanmer Park is also free with donations for parking to help keep the festival going.

This will be requested – not demanded – as visitors enter the car parking area, which is towards the rear of Stanmer Park.