Entertaining families for over ten years, the beach is back and better than ever as the City Council and Mellors Group bring this well-loved attraction back to Old Market Square. The site will open officially to the public at 1pm today (13 July).

With sand, sea and a range of thrilling rides, traditional sideshows and great food and drink options, visitors can once again enjoy a trip to the seaside without leaving the city!

There is also a great ‘Summer Nights’ programme of entertainment, sports and fun activities after work.

Comprising just under 300 tonnes of sand, with additional awnings and heaters, this year’s beach will be warm and dry enough to convince any visitor they are spending time in a foreign resort. The heater system generates enough power to heat Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium so long summer nights on the beach are definitely on the cards.

Alongside the traditional favourites – the Crazy Wave, Sand Dune Racer, Water Balls,
Bungee Trampolines and the F1 Car Ride are the brand new Reverse Bungee and a chance to swing above the beach on the High Ropes Course.

There is also a range of quirky, fun activities on the decked areas with a Photo Booth with comedy props for a treasured take home souvenir. This includes Foot Pool (try playing pool with your feet as a cue!) a free Ping Pong Table provided by Nottingham City Council’s Ping! project, Jenga, Limbo and Quoits alongside the traditional sideshow games (archery, hook a duck) and beach souvenirs.

Those wanting to relax with a drink or to sample of bit of beach cuisine will enjoy the option to order their food at the extended bar with jerk chicken and pulled pork among the tasty favourites on sale. There will be seven cocktails to try including two Slush Puppy cocktails and beers from Nottingham Brewery and local brewer Abstract Jungle. Watch for the summery lemon pale ale.

Cllr Dave Trimble – Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Localities said: “The Nottingham Beach is well loved by our locals and visitors alike. It is important to the team to provide this summer  entertainment and we have again managed to put on this attraction at no cost to our Council Tax payers. I am looking forward to seeing how they enjoy the new rides and side shows and I’ll definitely be down for a game of ping pong and to enjoy some of the evening after-work activities. I hope everybody has a great time and continues to enjoy our fantastic programme of events in the city.”

James Mellors Snr of Mellors Group said: “We are delighted to be bringing the UK’s first urban beach back again to the City of Nottingham. We are a Nottingham based company and take great pride in delivering a free to enter public event that is enjoyed by so many people from the East Midlands. We are continually striving to make this event fresh and exciting every year and we hope the public enjoy the new bar area and other attractions coming to this year’s event.”

Opening times
10:00-22:00        Sunday to Wednesday
10:00-23:00        Thursday
10:00-00:00        Friday and Saturday

Full programme of entertainment each evening (Free)

Monday – (from 7) Movie Night – Vote for the movie you want to see online

Tuesday – (5-9) – Variety Night – Open mic to showcase local talents

Wednesday – (from 6pm) Volleyball tournament in association with Hooters and Salsa lessons with Todo Latino Dance Company

Thursday – (From 6pm) Kids Movie Night – Princesses and Pirates welcome – vote for the film you want online

Friday (from 4) – Friday Night Fever – relax into the weekend with a great line up of live acts

Saturday (from 4) – Saturday Beach Festival – The festival line up without the festival price tag

Sunday (from 4) – Sunday Chill Sessions – Relax and unwind with acoustic singers