Dates announced for the return of the Newark on Sea urban beach in Newark Market Place this August confirmed by Newark Town Council

The dates for one of the town’s most popular summer events have been announced.

Newark Town Council have confirmed the return of the Newark on Sea urban beach, which for the past two years has transformed the Market Place with seaside fun.

The event, which has proved popular with families and residents, will take place from August 9 to 19 and further details are expected to be announced later this year.

It comes after concerns that the beach could have been cancelled when grant funding bids made by the council were refused earlier this year.

However, last week the finance and general purposes committee approved plans for the council to buy the equipment needed for the beach to take place, a move which not only comes out cheaper than using a hire company, but will save the authority money in future years.

The council will buy items such as deckchairs, beach huts and the retaining walls needed to hold the sand in place — this means the only additional costs going forward will be for the the delivery of sand and the surrounding entertainment.

It will come as a welcome relief to residents and businesses as in previous year the attraction has drawn visitors from across the area into the town centre during the school holidays, when traditionally they might have gone elsewhere for their summertime entertainment.

Ian Harrison, markets manager, said: “I’m quite thrilled to see that the beach will be returning.

“We were blown away with the support it received, but also the enjoyment provided not just to the young but the elderly too.

“It is a fantastic community event and one that we want to nurture and grow for years to come.”

Over 3,000 people visited the beach in it's debut year, with a realistic seaside soundscape featuring waves and seagulls as well as deck chairs to lounge and enjoy the sun on, buckets and spades for sandcastle building, all supported by street food vendors, live music, workshops, storytelling, and classic Punch and Judy shows.

Last year’s wet weather threatened to dampen spirits, but the beach proved just as popular once again.

Are you happy to see the beach returning? Let us know your thoughts.