An urban beach in Hanley has a vibrant new look with artwork by local artists Kidda Kinsey and free events throughout August. 

The weekend events at the public space of Smithfield in Hanley launch on Saturday (2 August) with live music, kite flying and a family BBQ throughout the month.

At the opening event, visitors can expect music from Ash Wall and his band SCRATCH plus food vendors such as Scrumbles, GGs kitchen and Really Truly Scrumptious Sweets. 

Ash Wall's SCRATCH includes Bené Gee on saxophone and vocals, Danny Higgins on bass, Jon Broberg on drums as well as vocalist Ash. 

Events are taking place at the public space at Smithfield throughout August. (Nub News)

Ash, who used to run creative hubs Pilgrims Pit in Stoke town and Captains Bar in Hanley said: "My music career really grew from being in Stoke-on-Trent and it's always been important to me to support local things." 

"There's a lot going on in Stoke and a lot of opportunities to do things. 

"Stoke has always felt like home and has been a big part of me since moving here 10 years ago. I'm a huge fan of the spirit and to be a part of this community event is something quite special."

Organiser of Smithfield Summer, Adele Simmons, community manager for Smithfield, said: "We have worked with some amazing partners and supporters to enable our free-to-attend summer month and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to our opening event on Saturday 2 August, which will start from 11:30am.

"As well as live music from Ash Wall's SCRATCH, we will have buckets and spades to use at our urban beach, plus some great food vendors will be situated in the public realm throughout the day."

Adele adds: "The fun won't stop there and throughout August we'll also be doing fun giveaways at weekends as well as other children's activities as we look to provide a real Stokie summer for our local residents. Let's hope the weather is kind to us!"

Local artist Kidda Kinsey has also designed artwork for the urban beach's fencing and toys.

Kidda Kinsey has designed artwork for the urban beach. (Nub News)

Kidda said: "This is the first time I've actually worked on designing an urban beach and it's great to be a part of it all.

"To bring a seaside to Stoke is brilliant. The designs around the fencing are all there to inspire others who use the urban beach - which is going to be really fun.

"Moats can also be created around the mermaid torsos and sandcastle toys, which are there to encourage interactive play."

The Smithfield Summer launch event will start from 11:30am on Saturday 2 August and the urban beach will be open daily from 10am - 4pm - weather dependent.

Smithfield Summer events include: 

Saturday 2 August - Launch of Smithfield Summer - local artist Ash Wall will be performing courtesy of the Victoria Hall

Saturday 9 August - Children's activities

Saturday 16 August - Kite Flying 

Friday 22 and Saturday 23 August - Big Feast and VOLO with Appetite

Saturday 30 August - Big Summer BBQ