Town centre beach scores shore winner

Aug 4 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

TOTS and grown-ups were enjoying all the fun of the seaside in landlocked St Helens at the weekend.

Urban Beach set up in the town centre on Saturday laying out sand, palm trees and deckchairs, which will stay in place until the end of the month.

The mid-day launch included a traditional Punch and Judy puppet theatre, a magic show, circus workshops, clowns and a Latin drum and dance band.

Urban Beach has become a regular summer feature in cities across Europe, including Berlin, Brussels, London and Paris.

Steve Brogan, chairman of the town centre partnership, said: “Urban Beach was a roaring success last year. People are able to take a break from their shopping and relax on the beach with their family.”

The event was funded by St Helens Council and European Objective One money.