The sixth Big Night Out On The Beach returns to South Milton Sands near Thurlestone on Saturday, September 9.

Organised by the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty unit together with the National Trust, there will be a huge choice of activities including rock-pooling, beach sports, hula-hooping, sundown beach yoga and a ‘treasures of the sea sundown parade’.

There will be a range of experts on hand to lead the events and help everyone discover the nightlife of the AONB.

There is a jam-packed programme with some activities going on at specific times and others will be going on throughout the evening.

Holsome Park meats will have the barbecue going and the Beach House café will be open for refreshments. Families are welcome to bring their own picnics. Everyone is encouraged to bring binoculars, a torch and warm clothes.

To join in the lantern-making, visitors are asked to bring a clean jam jar.

The event is now in its sixth year and last year attracted 500 people.

South Devon AONB communities officer Nicky Bailey said: “This is by far our favourite event of the year, which we thoroughly enjoy working on with our colleagues from the National Trust South Devon Countryside.

“It is always fantastic to see so many people out enjoying the last throes of summer and discovering more about the amazing and special place we live, work and play in. Being outside as the sun sets and seeing the stars appear in our dark night skies is an unbeatable experience and South Milton Sands is the perfect place to enjoy it!”

Entry is free and lots of the activities are free too, with a nominal charge for the taster water sports and beach yoga.

The Big Night Out On The Beach is in the run up to the national ‘outstanding week’, celebrating the UK’s 46 AONBS, between Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 24. To see the programme, log onto landscapesforlifeevents.org.uk.

The family beach event is on Saturday, September 9 at South Milton Sands near Thurlestone, TQ7 3JY from 4pm - 9.30pm.

Grid reference SX 677414. Car parking charges may apply. For any more information, call 01803 861183 or email [email protected].