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

This is something new for us, it’s a weekly look at some top things to do in and around Preston for the week ahead.

We’re publishing this on a Wednesday lunchtime so it previews the weekend coming up and also gets any cool events happening in the early part of the following week.

We’ll pick out a selection of events we know are coming up and feature four or five of the best, and we’re always on the hunt for interesting things to do in and around the city so feel free to email us on contactus@blogpreston.co.uk with details of your event and we might feature it.

Go to the beach but in Preston

The St George’s Shopping Centre have decided they do not want to have to visit Blackpool any longer, so they’ve bought the beach to us.

From Saturday 3 August for four weeks you can sit on 14 tonnes of sand inside and play around with a bucket and spade.

Tubbier blokes with their tops off along with socks and sandals are actively discouraged.

More details from earlier in the month when we revealed it’d be taking place.

Love Craft? You’ll love this…

The Fishergate Shopping Centre will be playing host to home, fashion and craft stalls during a Love Craft, Love Lancashire event.

It’s on Saturday 3 August and is free to attend from 10am to 5pm.

Follow @lovecraftlancs on Twitter for more info.

We all love a bit of vintage…

There will be a Vintage Extravaganza in Fulwood on Saturday 3 August.

From 11am to 3pm at Christ Church Hall on Victoria Road there will be clothes, jewellery, retro accessories and more to fill your wardrobe with. It’s free to enter.

It’s hosted by Dolly Dazzler who can find on Facebook.

Pick up your hockey stick…

There’s an open day for ladies interested in playing hockey taking place.

At Preston Sports Arena on Tom Benson Way from 11am to 3pm on Sunday 4 August you can find out how to play the game woth Garstang Ladies Hockey Club.

There will be demo games, a bouncy castle and refreshments. It’s free to come along.

More information by visiting the Garstang Ladies Hockey Club.