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Nottingham’s beach returns to the Market Square today. Three hundred and sixty tons of sand (that's sixty tons more than last year!) will transform the city centre into a seaside-pleasure park, complete with bucket and spades stalls, flags, bunting, fairground rides, a giant paddling pool plus deck chairs and stalls selling traditional seaside goods.

The giant paddling pool will complement the Square's water feature and there will be tables, deck chairs and sun loungers along the Long Row promenade to seat around 320 people.

Open daily from 10am until 11pm throughout the summer holidays until Sunday September 5, the Riviera will provide free beach fun for the family during the day with late afternoon and evening relaxation for city workers, commuters and the cool night time crowd.

Each day there will be a programme of free entertainment and activities around the beach, including sports, themed food nights and live music. This year sees the return of popular rides such as the Helter Skelter and Waveswinger, plus two new attractions – Seastorm and Bumper boats bringing more thrills and spills to the square during the summer holidays.

Nottingham Lord Mayor, Councillor Brian Grocock, said: "We're delighted to welcome the return of Nottingham Riviera which brings the seaside to the city for the people of Nottingham. Many families who might not get the chance to travel to the seaside this year can experience sun, sand and sea on their doorstep and enjoy FREE and great value entertainment for the whole summer holidays."

Nottingham Riviera will be open from noon today.