South Bank beach to go ahead in 2006

Organisers have been consolidating event details since June, after delayed council approval forced a deferral of the 2005 event.

Now that the planning application for 2006 has been approved, next summer will see the
South Bank hosting what promoters say will be London's first authentic urban beach, together with a 1000-seat open-air cinema, beach bar, barbecues, café, sports and arts activity zones, market stalls and more.

"We look forward to producing a summer experience that allows members of the public to
choose their own their own favourite leisure activity – be it watching their favourite film or
sporting event with a group of friends, sunning on the beach or just relaxing on the green open
spaces at Jubilee Gardens," said Brett Hlywa of organisers Back Row Events.

Michael Lynch, chief executive of the South Bank Centre, added: "London's new beach and outdoor cinema will be a great addition to the South Bank. With Festival Riverside's new shops and restaurants and our unrivalled programme of arts events, the South Bank will be the place to
visit. Summer in London just got a whole lot better!"

Back Row Events and the South Bank Centre have been developing the event concept over the
last fourteen months with Lambeth Council, as well as engaging in ongoing consultation with
local residents, organisations and businesses such as the White House & County Hall residents,
Coint Street Community Builders & Trust, SE1 United youth groups, British Film Institute, South
Bank Employers Group, Shell and the BA London Eye.

Natalie Bell of SE1 United, which represents local youth groups, says: "SE1 United feel that this exciting project would be of immense benefit to many local residents and would give another much-needed activity to the area in the long summer break which is often a difficult time for many due to lack of amenities aimed at families."