It wouldn't be the great British weather without sunshine and showers on the first day of Nottingham Beach. The fun family attraction is back for the first time since 2019.
After a three-year break due to the Covid pandemic, sand and 'sea', ice creams and fairground rides have returned to Old Market Square. The beach got off to a quiet start on the first day, July 25, as most children have yet to break up but pre-school youngsters and the lucky few on inset days enjoyed the rides and building sandcastles.
This year the beach itself is located in front of the Slab Square fountain, which currently out of action due to problems including a leak into the electrical control room below. But there's plenty of opportunity to splash around in the padding pool. Admission to the beach is free.
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The mini seaside resort, in front of the Council House, also has fairground rides and attractions including a new 40m Starflyer, bungee trampolines, hook-a-duck and arcade slot machines. One of the highlights for 2022 is the new giant Slip 'n' Slide, a ticketed attraction costing £12 for an hour (or £10 for Nottingham city residents).
The inflatables have still to arrive but they should be up-and-running in time for the official opening on Friday July 29. Tickets can be bought on the day but anyone wanting to guarantee a time slot is advised to book online.
Josh Finesilver, head of operations at the Mellors Group, said: "It comprises two mega slides. One is called the Arrow, very in keeping with the Robin Hood theme, which is 55m long and 13.5m tall and that's a dual lane inflatable which you can race your friends. Then you've got a six-lane slide which is 7.5m tall and 22m long and that has a pool at the bottom, so not only can you go down the slide you can wade in there."
In 2020 a small summer pop-up with a handful of kids' rides and a couple of of outdoor eating and drink areas replaced the beach and last year it was cancelled entirely.
Mr Finesilver said: "We are really excited to be back with all of the things we know and love for the beach in Nottingham. We still have the core offer which is the beach and the pool which is free and an amazing range of food and beverages and the rides but we are really excited that this year we have the Slip 'n' Slide.
"We absolutely love the fact we are getting back to normal now and operating with great content and safely - it's business as usual."
There's plenty to eat and drink when visitors get hungry and thirsty, from slush and doughnuts to burgers and chips and Greek gyros. And new this year you don't even have to leave your seat thanks to online ordering. Pints, spirits, wine and soft drinks are available from the bar, which has wooden seats like swings and a giant wooden noughts and crosses game.
Families were happy to see the beach return. Emily Esden and son Raiya, three, and Milly Grout and son Mason, two, were enjoying a day out. Emily, of West Bridgford said: "‘It’s nice for the kids to come. It’s something different for them and it will fill a lot of time during the holidays."
Thomas Bailey, seven, and his brother Oliver, four, were the first youngsters to build a sandcastle. Mum Louise Bailey, of West Bridgford, said: "They’ve got an inset day so it’s the first day of the school holidays. We thought it would be a fun thing to do and the sun has just come out.
‘It’s the first year we’ve ever been. It looks really good. I think we’ll coming a few times in the school holidays. They’re especially excited about the water slides."
As well as the day-to-day attractions, an entertainment programme features live music, salsa classes and open mic nights. The beach will be open every day from 10am until September 4
Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, portfolio holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council said: “It’s great to see Nottingham Beach open and ready for the school holidays. With costs going up everywhere, Nottingham residents can enjoy spending time with the family, have a fun day out and a great holiday experience for free. People can spend the whole day there or just pop out for a break at lunchtime or after work.”
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