Residents flock to makeshift city centre beach over Bank Holiday weekend
CITY residents made the most of the patchy sunshine over the Bank Holiday weekend by flocking to the beach.
But they did not have to set out on the 40-mile ride to Lincolnshire's coastline thanks to a makeshift beach that has seen Lincoln's City Square transformed into a popular tourist destination.
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Jamie Brown, 6, and Jacob Moore, 9, play on the beach in Lincoln's City Square.
The organisation behind bringing 60 tonnes of sand to the city in a bid to keep youngsters entertained throughout the summer holiday is Lincoln Business Improvement Group (BIG).
Opening two weeks ago, beach lovers have until Sunday to appreciate the sand until its removal.
Full-time mum Sabrina Smith, of Tower Crescent, Lincoln, took a trip to the city beach with her 13-month old son Jaiden yesterday.
She said: "He went to Skegness with my mum on Friday, but at this age they don't really know the difference.
"We came down today to make the most of the sun when it's actually shining."
Hairdresser Nicola Smith, 24, of Trent View on the Ermine estate, said she was trying to imagine the sound of the sea when eating her fish and chips at the city beach.
"Today we are pretending we are at the real seaside," she said.
"My little boy who is four didn't know it was here and we just came out shopping.
"He was over the moon to find out that we could stop shopping and go to the beach."
Traditional seaside attractions including puppet shows and children's games have also been organised to entertain the city beach-goers.
Lincoln BIG has also provided City Square with a temporary ice rink for the past few Christmases as well as a roller skating rink last summer.
3 Comments
by lynn, lincoln
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 7:29PM
“The 'Beach' at Whisby Garden Centre, looks about the same as this one, but it costs £10ish for a family of four, that's a lot of money if you don't have much disposable income. Even if you have to pay for parking, it still looks as if the City Beach is cheaper.”
by Margaret, Lincoln
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 6:35PM
“I took my four year old granson to the city "beach" on Saturday armed with bucket and spade. He loved it and it gave me a chance to entertain him without it costing a furtune. A ride on the roundabout completed his outing and he went home very happy. Thanks BIG it was a great idea.”
by Victor, Lincoln
Tuesday, August 31 2010, 1:29PM
“Following a lot of negative comments from various people when this was first proposed, I think it's only fair to congratulate Lincoln BIG for providing the beach in Lincoln.
I regularly walk through the centre during my lunch hour, and have to say the children looked like they were having a great time. Sandcastles, Punch and Judy, the Wierd House, deck chairs, who cares if it was in the city centre?, they obviously didn't.
Also, when you think how dificult it can be for those without cars to get to the coast, this was an excellent way for their children to have a mini break without costing anything, so well done.”