Free urban beach taking shape in Newark Market Place as part of the town's Cultral Heart project

An urban beach is taking shape as sand and deckchairs arrive ahead of the opening tomorrow (Saturday).

Newark-on-Trent is set to become Newark-on-Sea this August as the Market Place is transformed into a beach, meaning families won’t need to travel to the coast this school summer holiday to feel sand between their toes.

Around 35 tonnes of sand has been spread in the Market Place to help create a 21x12metre sq beach on the cobbles.

The urban beach — similar to one that has been built in Nottingham in recent years — will be available to the public for free every day from August 6 to 21, 10am to 4pm.

There is more than just sand though ­— the beach area will be adorned with deck chairs, buckets and spades and will feature beach huts, a tiki bar, street food and the the sound of waves with lots of ice-cream available.

A programme of daily activities includes sand castle competitions, local bands, street performers, Punch and Judy, seaside shows, face-painting and much more.

Ian Harrison, of Newark Town Council, said: “At this time of pressures on household budgets, the beach and entertainment will be free to all and we hope many families both from the Newark area and beyond will make a visit and enjoy some seaside atmosphere in what I am sure is one of the most beautiful market places in the UK.”

The beach which is positioned in front of the town hall will be covered over at night in order to maintain it.

The market will still continue and only two or three traders will be temporarily re-sited elsewhere within the market place.

David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Co-Chairman of Newark Towns Fund Board said, “When you thought you’d seen it all, we thought we’d bring the seaside to you. And what a great summer attraction it will be. It will be lovely to see the joy on the faces of young and old alike as they enjoy the programme of activity on the beach.

For more information about this event and others, go to the Visit Newark website

The beach is funded as apart of the Newark Cultural Heart project, to hold events and boost visitor numbers to the town centre.