The sandal season is upon us... urban beaches return

In Sheffield, the seaside at the Peace Gardens, to be launched on Thursday, August 4, will feature a 1930s helter skelter, traditional swing boats and dodgem rides, sticks of Sheffield rock and candy floss.

Sheffield Council’s city centre management team is working with Farrers Funfairs to organise the event, which will feature free attractions such as band concerts and Punch and Judy shows.

William Percival of Farrers Funfairs said: “We are pleased to be able to bring all the fun of the seaside to the centre of Sheffield.

“Most of the activities are free of charge, but we have set the charges for the rides at an affordable level to encourage families to use them.”

A sandy beach is also being created, with over 20 tonnes of sand being dropped into the Peace Gardens, while the fountains will double as the “sea.”

Coun Helen Mirfin-Boukouris, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for business, jobs and growth, added: “Many people cannot afford to go away for holidays this year, so we are bringing a bit of the seaside to the centre of Sheffield.

“Children always love the traditional fun of seaside holidays, but it will also bring back many fond memories for their parents and grandparents too.

“So whether you prefer to create a magnificent sand castle or just to listen to a brass band from a deck chair, there will be something for everyone.”

Meanwhile, “Rotherham-by-the-Sea” will also return to All Saints’ Square for a ninth year.

Free seaside-themed activities such as a funfair and bingo will run from Monday, August 8 until Saturday, August 13.

Coun Gerald Smith, cabinet member for town centres at Rotherham Council, said: “We are hoping this year’s Rotherham-by-the-Sea event will be the best yet as it has become a real tradition in the town centre.

“The people of Rotherham genuinely look forward to all the activities going on over the week, flocking to the square and really joining in the seaside spirit.

“We are just keeping our fingers crossed for the weather to be kind to us and then we will be set for a week of seaside fun.”