An inland Suffolk town will change its name to “On Sea” for one night only for a fun beach party.

The first 500 people to come along will all be given a “Stowmarket On Sea” stick of rock.

Beach attire is optional but more than welcome for the crowds expected to descend upon the Recreation Ground.

The party is being organised by Stowmarket Town Council. Organiser David Marsh said: “It’s all going really well, it’s all systems go and we are praying for good weather. It could be very weather dependant but we could have 1,500 people there.

“People have said that it is an fantastic idea and hopefully it will go down well. We wanted to do something different. In the past we have done live music events like StowFest, so we wanted to do something else.

“There will be something there for the whole family but we want to put on something for everyone.”

Children can have fun in a large sand pit and watch Punch and Judy shows.

Adults can enjoy the blockbuster Mamma Mia screened in the park as well as live music on the night.

Town councillor Lesley Mayes said the event would give a boost to the town.

She said: “I hope everybody supports the event. Anything that the town can be seen to be doing to encourage people to come together is good.

“It should foster good relations between everyone and if town councillors go to the event then they can see and hear from people that they represent.”

The party will be held on Saturday, 5pm-9.30pm. Entry is free, live music will start from 5.30pm with Punch and Judy shows at 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

The open air screening of Mamma Mia will be at 8pm.