A beach by the River Thames is being created by the Greek National Tourist Organisation in an effort to recreate a Mediterranean holiday atmosphere in central London.
More than 300 tonnes of sand will be used to create the 1200m² beach, complete with sun-beds parasols, a volleyball court and beach bar.
The Greek Beach by the Thames will be open for ten days from June 18 between 10.00 and 19.00.
Entrance on to the beach on the South Bank’s riverside walkway by Gabriel’s Wharf is free, but will be limited to 400 people at a time.
Specific days will be dedicated to the gastronomy, traditional music and dance from specific destinations – June 19 (Rhodes), June 20 and 25 (Crete) and June 26 (Halkidiki).
England’s beach soccer team will be playing and a sand sculptor will be on hand together with a DJ. A prize draw will be held every day at 17.00 to win holidays to Greece.
GNTO director Sophia Panagiotaki said: ‘We are looking forward to inviting everyone to experience a creative mix of Greek and international beach culture on the South Bank and we hope it will inspire families and friends to come and try the real thing on a holiday to our beautiful mainland and Greek islands.”