A giant sandpit has been installed in Kingston marketplace, providing a free activity for families this summer.

The sandpit has buckets and spades, with fake grass underneath it and small white picket fencing which is surrounded by free deckchairs - creating a beachy vibe.

It is part of a range of free holiday activities on offer to families in Kingston this summer with In Kingston, part of the Kingston business improvement district Kingston First .

The organisation announced the sandpit's arrival in a post on Facebook yesterday (3 August), writing: "Keep the kids entertained in Kingston this summer!

"With our 'Kingston Beach' pop-up sandpit in the Market Place, Kingston Library's Summer of Fun and our Thumbs Up It's Thursday programme running every Thursday of the holidays, there's plenty of free family fun to enjoy in the town centre."

The post received 91 likes but several commenters were concerned about whether the sandpit would affect the use of fountains in the marketplace.

Responding to these queries, In Kingston said that it may decide to turn them on later this month but is currently assessing the use of space within the Market Place.

The organisation added more information about the 'pop-up sandpit' in a post on its website , urging residents to: "Channel the summer holiday vibes at home and let the little ones enjoy some sandy fun in the Market Place.

"With deckchairs and buckets & spades for your use, there's no need to jump in the car or on a plane to get the beach experience!"

The sandpit will be open through the month of August, it added, and deckchairs next to the 'beach' will be put away by 5pm.

"Please do move off them when asked as we cannot leave them out overnight," it said.

What do you think of the new sandpit? Will you be using it? Let us know!

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