This summer the seaside is returning to Northampton Market Square, ready for the school holidays.

The town centre based, family friendly attraction opens from Thursday 3 August and will offer all the highlights of the seaside without people having to travel far.

A giant sand pit, buckets and spades, deck chairs and children’s fairground rides will be opening at the bottom of the market square seven days a week, weather permitting, from 10am to 4pm until Sunday 2 September.

Other activities such as face painting, selfie boards and a beach bingo style hunt around the market stalls will also take place at regular intervals during this time.

Cllr Phil Larratt, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Due to its popularity, we are pleased to be welcoming the beach back to the Market Square for the sixth year running.

“We hope people take advantage of the two hours free parking during weekdays and the free weekend parking in our multi storey car parks to come and enjoy the attractions and take part in activities as well as supporting the market traders and local businesses too.”