Indoor beaches have been constructed at venues in the UK before including the 02 – but this will be Preston’s first

Prestonians will no longer have to brave the hordes at Blackpool to visit the beach.

From the start of August there will be 14 tonnes of sand delivered to one of the city’s shopping centres.

An indoor beach is being constructed at the St George’s Shopping Centre so even if the summer is a washout you can still experience making a sandcastle.

The beach is being branded as a “vintage beach” with coconut shies, punch and judy and a hoopla – and decked out with bunting and old-fashioned seaside accessories.

Andrew Stringer, general manager at St George’s Shopping Centre, said: “Bad weather is a nightmare for parents in the holidays and this was a contributing factor in our decision to bring a bit of sunshine to the city centre this year.

“We only have to look back to the Guild celebrations to be reminded that events such as this are extremely successful and our vintage event will give shoppers the opportunity to enjoy a day at the beach without having to watch the weather.”

The beach will be free to use and measure 5m by 7m.

Mark Whittle from Preston’s Business Improvement District, said: “Preston city centre has a strong retail and leisure offer but events on this scale, particularly when they’re family friendly, are just the ticket to improving customer experience.

“It is important that as destination we can offer different activities that people can enjoy while visiting and we hope the Vintage Beach is a huge success.”

The St George’s Vintage Beach will launch on August 3 and will run for four weeks.