Preparations are well underway for the return of Blackpool’s annual urban art festival Sand, Sea & Spray. Running from Friday to Saturday this weekend with live painting taking place throughout the town, it promises to be a stunning celebration of colour and design.
Having secured ยฃ15,000 funding from Arts Council England for the second year running organisers have invited over 30 artists, some from as far afield as Cuba and Portugal as well as those from the UK. Organisers and volunteers have been hard at work preparing walls for the artists last week and were joined by Cllr Mark Smith who represents the Talbot ward.
Cllr Smith along with fellow ward councillor Ian Coleman who also supported the festival with a ยฃ1,000 donation from their ward budget. He said:ย “It’s a little out of my comfort zone to be up a ladder with a paint roller but I’m delighted to support Sand Sea & Spray this year. The festival brings in thousands of visitors each year, contributing to Blackpool’s economy and the finished pieces brighten up what would otherwise be just another wall.”
Volunteers are also integral to the success of the festival throughout the weekend, helping the artists and acting as ambassadors giving people information about what is going on. The weekend is also set to include a programme of social events still to be announced and workshops for young people.
David Hirst, organiser and CEO of Creative Arts & Futures Charity, said: “Sand Sea & Spray is now established on the world calendar of urban events and we want to inspire the next generation of artists, especially those growing up in Blackpool. It would be fantastic for a local youngster to go on and feature at similar events across the UK or further afield.”
For more information about Sand, Sea & Spray visitย www.sandseaandspray.co.uk. You can also like the Festival on Facebook or follow on Twitter @SandSeaSpray.
Cover image courtesy of Dawn Mander.
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