Darlington's Market Square will be transformed into a sandy beach later this month, with a 50ft inflatable sperm whale, a mermaid and a pirate.
Darlington-by-the-Sea rock will be on sale and there will also be sand sculptures, Punch and Judy, balloon magic and a barbecue.
"With 15 tonnes of sand, the square will be alive with activities and fun for all the family," said a spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council, which is organising the event, from 11am on Thursday, July 24.
She said: "Into the evening a steel band will strike up which will accompany a delicious barbecue as the fun day at the seaside continues until 9pm."
Local children helped to launch the event at the Kids and Co crche at Darlington town hall yesterday.
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