A 480 square metre beach is coming to a city square.

Featuring 70 tonnes of sand, a full size beach volleyball court, a stage and a bar, organisers say that "Seaside in the Square" will bring the sea to the city this summer.

As well as volleyball the gigantic beach - set to stretch from edge to edge of Guildhall Square - will also play host to a variety of sports while live acts curated by 15 different Southampton venues will bring the stage to life.

And organisers say that a full programme of events from outdoor cinema to beach yoga and sand art will bring the thrill of the seaside to the city this summer.

Now Southampton's Business Improvement District, Go!Southampton - whose project it is - say more than 100 free activity sessions are being put together in conjunction with Saints Foundation, Parklives Southampton, The Gym Group and Decathlon - with daytime events aimed at children and evening and some weekend sessions aimed at adults.

So far already on the bill are beach soccer, foot volley, sumo wrestling, tug of war, art workshops and sand castle competitions.

And Friday evening sessions for the after work crowd will feature live music on the beachfront stage - while Saturday nights will be aimed towards a younger crowd and Sunday afternoons have been billed as offering a "laid-back vibe."

Free cinema nights complete with popcorn will offer a selection of screenings - while a "deckchair trail" around the city will offer the chance for sunny selfies leading to the giant beach.

A spokesperson for GO!Southampton said: "The idea for the beach was developed with the aim of raising Southampton's profile, increasing footfall into the city and improving flow around it. With the opening in February of Nuffield Southampton Theatres' city site and the opening of the John Hansard Gallery this weekend, the beach will add another exciting proposition to the Cultural Quarter."

The beach will be in Guildhall Square from July 20 to August 22.