Life is a beach…on Kirkwall’s Broad Street!

Never mind the circus coming to town – Kirkwall BID is bringing the beach to Broad Street!

The exciting Costa del Kirkwall unique summertime experience will see the car park at Broad Street transformed into a genuine seaside experience with golden sands, deck chairs and miniature crazy golf.

Running from 5-9 August, 10am-5pm, this FREE town centre play area will bring a splash of colour to the heart of Kirkwall as a safe, outdoor meeting space to enjoy with friends and family. And organisers, Kirkwall Bid, guarantee it will be a shark-free zone!

Kirkwall BID are hopeful the event will bring people into town, assisting local businesses in the process.

The Council’s Community Learning and Development team have partnered up with Kirkwall BID to help promote the Young Scot discount scheme to local businesses over coming months - the Costa Del Kirkwall event is part of that aim.

Sponsors of the event include NorthLink Ferries, Odin Events and Orkney Builders Contractors Ltd.

The beach is essentially a giant sandpit which will be constructed on Wednesday 4 August with the idea being the creation of a safe, fun outdoor space for families and friends to meet. Kirkwall BID was to encourage people back into Kirkwall to see what businesses have to offer with a “Shop local, choose local, support local” strapline.

Throughout the week they will be running a fun sandcastle building competition, so folk are asked to bring a bucket and spade and send a photo of their creation to admin@kirkwallbid.co.uk to be in with a chance of winning!

With only two part-time employees, Kirkwall BID is still in need of volunteers  to monitor the beach, pick up rubbish, chat about the importance of supporting local businesses and clean items between users.  Please get in touch if you or any of your staff could help out even for an hour or two via admin@kirkwallbid.co.uk They are also keen to hear from details of any first aiders working in surrounding businesses.

The BID gazebo will be in place for people to head along and have a chat.