100,000 visit Chamberlain Square beach

Sep 2 2008 By Emma McKinney

BIRMINGHAM may be landlocked, but that hasn’t stopped 100,000 people flocking to its city centre makeshift beach.

The success of the beach, in Chamberlain Square, means it has now been given the green light to stay open for three weeks longer than originally planned.

The beach, a joint venture between Birmingham City Council and airline Emirates, will now remain open until Sunday, October 5. The revelation came after three-year-old Ollie Glover became the 100,000th visitor to the beach. To celebrate, Ollie and his sister Erin, six, dad Ian and grandmother Jane, were treated to free refreshments.

Today, Coun Ray Hassall, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said that despite a gloomy August, the attraction has remained a hit with shoppers, workers and visitors alike.

“It has been a real success this year, and it’s great that both residents and visitors to Birmingham will be able to enjoy the sand, and maybe even some sun, for another three weeks,” he said.

Laurie Berryman, a manager at Emirates, added: “We are delighted that the beach has proved so popular with the people of Birmingham and are thrilled that it will be staying until October.

“We hope that the beach and its changing backdrops, highlighting three of our destinations – Dubai, Mauritius and Australia – have brought a little taste of paradise to the city.”

The beach is open every day from 11am to 7pm and is free to enter.