Life's a beach in Newark-on-Sea as crowds flock to the sand in scorching weather
Newark's urban beach is proving popular, with families making the most of the attraction in the hot weather.
As temperatures rose throughout the week a trip to the beach sounded perfect — luckily for landlocked Newarkers there's one right on their doorstep this summer.
The beach comes complete with crashing waves and seagulls, thanks to some clever sound effects.
There was even free crafts on offer on Tuesday, with a chance for children to make their own sandcastle flag with the help of artist Kerry O'Brien.
Lindsey Hallam, of Newark, said: "I think its great for the kids to let off some steam."
Children enjoyed sandcastle building, sweet treats including a sweet stall run by nearby business Bean & Vine, and lots of ice creams.
Fez, of Midlands Whippy, saw plenty of customers enjoying the classic seaside treat in the bustling marketplace.
He said: "Its been really really good, I'm glad the town has done something to rejuvenate the place and bring it to life.
"The atmosphere is great."
Events team member Ella Lighten explained the beach had been busy every day since its opening on Saturday — and it is even seeing visitors from further afield.
Julie Welford, of Nottingham, visited the beach with her nine-year-old children Jamie and Ruby.
She said: "I think it's lovely, we were visiting in our caravan and its been a nice surprise."
Ruby added: "I think it's great."
Alongside food trucks, deckchairs and live music, a giant deckchair provided picture perfect fun.
The attraction is also deserving of repeat visits, with Katie Miller and her children Charlotte, 4, and Archie, 3, having visited twice already.
"We came the other day as well," she said.
"It's nice that it is so close."
Another beachgoer, Leah Inman, said: "It's lovely, nice and clean as well despite having been open a while."
There's plenty more to see and do at the beach with upcoming events including storytelling, discos, volleyball and a sandcastle competition judged by Newark Mayor Laurence Goff on Saturday, August 13.
Live music, Punch and Judy and walk-about performers are also fixtures of the attraction.