Hundreds head to Watford’s Big Beach launch

Hundreds of people visited Watford Borough Council’s (WBC) Big Beach on its opening day on Saturday July 25. Measuring 20 metres long by 15 metres wide, the free beach is the latest in the Big Events series. Opening in the sunshine, activities took place throughout the day, with face painting, a magician, and a visit from Peppa Pig and her little brother George. Children and adults alike also joined in Feel Hot Yoga’s free session, as well as Everyone Active’s summer workout. To round off the day, from 5pm to 9pm Oceana’s resident DJ played chilled out Ibiza tunes while its pop-up bar served jam jar cocktails. Elected Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: “It was wonderful to see families making the most of the Big Beach on the opening day. It was a hive of activity, with something for everyone to enjoy. There is still so much to come on the beach, including a pirate party for children, music and a surf board simulator – people can see the full schedule of activities at watfordbigevents.co.uk.” WBC chairman, Kareen Hastrick, was one of the many who enjoyed the first day of the beach. She said: “I spent time chatting to people at the Big Beach and the feedback was fantastic. Families appreciate the opportunity to take part in such a range of activities for free. It’s something different, it’s outdoors, it brings people together and it gets children away from the TV and consoles.” The Big Beach runs from Saturday July 25 to Sunday August 2, staying open from 9am to 9pm every day. It is one of a series of major community experiences the council is staging as part of the Big Events series to promote its extensive refurbishment of The Parade. The next Big Event is the Big Screen, where a mixture of hit films and classic cinema treats will be shown in The Parade by the pond for free. This will be happening from Thursday August 20 to Sunday August 23.