2012 Morecambe Sandcastle Festival goes for gold

The tradition of building sandcastles will take on an Olympic theme this summer at Morecambe’s 6th annual Sandcastle Festival.

The London Olympics will provide the inspiration for entrants to the Super Sandcastle Competition when the beach will be full of families letting their imaginations fly to produce sandcastle creations of Olympic proportions.

Beach games, children’s activities, entertainment as well as plenty of sandcastle building are the main focus of this free weekend of seaside fun taking place throughout the weekend of June 9-10.

Internationally renowned sand artists Sand in your Eye will be back to wow visitors with their display of expertly crafted sand sculptured themed masterpieces and will lead a massive sandcastle building practice session on the Saturday for all those hoping to dig up first prize in the Super Sandcastle Competition the following day.

The competition, on Sunday, June 10, is the crowning glory of this family weekend and free to enter. Teams can comprise up to four members and there are two categories - families/under 12s and an open category.

Registration takes place on the Sunday morning between 9.45am and 10.45am. But you’ll have to be quick – places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.

The winning team from each category win a £50 cash prize with gold, silver and bronze medals handed out on the podium in true Olympic style.

World Record breaking bubble company Bubble Inc and Lancaster's very own Samba band, Batala are two of the highlights on the Sunday. Tall Will, the tallest bubbleologist in the world will be impressing audiences with a mix of bubble magic and Batala who will be performing at various times of the day on the promenade.

Local children's entertainer, Harvey Rush will be back again this year to provide top quality seaside magic in the children's marquee. Lancaster City Council's Sport and Play Rangers will also be on hand to entertain the younger visitors with seaside themed crafts, games and beach sports.

Traditional donkey rides are on offer too on the Sunday as Trigger, Ginger, Skippy and William line up to take youngsters on a gentle stroll along the sands of Morecambe Bay.

A guest appearance by Cedric Robinson, the Queen's Official Guide to Morecambe Bay sands, will have you enthralled with his exciting tales and experiences of working and walking across the bay. For almost half a century, Cedric has guided countless groups of people over a safe path across the potentially treacherous Morecambe Bay. Cedric will be in the visitor information centre marquee on both days.

All entertainment and activities throughout the weekend take place on the beach and promenade near to the famous Eric Morecambe statue.

However, if you fancy a trip down memory lane, you may wish to walk the short distance to visit the Vintage Village Hall Tearoom in the Winter Gardens. Here you will find amazing exhibitors offering vintage clothing, accessories and home furnishings from the 1930s – 1970s, jewellery, crafting sessions, art and more.

A full schedule of events, including Sandcastle Competition details and registration form, is contained in a free programme, available from Morecambe and Lancaster Visitor Information Centres (tel. 01524 582808) or via the council’s website – www.lancaster.gov.uk/sandcastle  

The 2012 Sandcastle Festival is just one of a whole host of events taking place in Morecambe this summer, as part of Morecambe's Festivals by the Sea programme. For more dates for your diary visit www.visitmorecambe.co.uk or call the Morecambe Visitor Information Centre 01524 582808.

Summary of events

Saturday, June 9:

11am – 4pm – massive sandcastle building practice with some professional help from ‘Sand in your Eye’ – visit www.sandinyoureye.co.uk  

. Sand sculpting with 'Sand in your Eye'

· Fun, games and activities on the beach

· Children’s entertainment provided by Harvey Rush and Lancaster City Council's Sports and Play Rangers

· Walks and Talks with Cedric Robinson - the Queen's Official Guide to Morecambe Bay sands

· Vintage Village Hall Tearoom in the Winter Gardens

Sunday, June 10:

9.45am – 10.45am - registration for the Super Sandcastle Competition (11am until 1.30pm)

11am – 4pm

. Carry on sculpting with 'Sand in your Eye'

· Bubble Fun and interaction with Bubble Inc

. Batala Samba Band

· Fun, games and activities on the beach

· Entertainment and activities for children provided by children's entertainer, Harvey Rush and Lancaster City Council's Sports and Play Rangers

· Donkey rides on the beach

. Vintage Village Hall Tearoom in the Winter Gardens

. Walks and Talks with Cedric Robinson - the Queen's Official Guide to Morecambe Bay sands

Date Published: 22/05/12