Blackpool the ‘urban art capital’ of the North West

Sand, Sea and Spray brought 30-plus urban artists to the resort, securing the festival’s place in the local calendar.

After a year’s break in 2014, due to founder and artistic director Robin Ross’s health, it was back with live painting events and huge works being created over the weekend.

The international line-up came from as far afield as Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Russia, with Europe represented by artists from Portugal, France, Poland, Norway, and Belgium – as well as home-grown talents from across the UK, including Blackpool.

Robin said: “There’s been so much warmth around the festival this year, with the artists. One of the contributors, from Switzerland, said it was a five-star event.

“We have had national media interest, which is all so positive for putting Blackpool on the map.”

Russian artist Sergei said: “I’ve really enjoyed it, Blackpool’s an amazing place.

“This is my first visit to England, and was a great chance to walk around the town and then to paint too.”

With a strong South American influence to the artworks created at Cookson Street car park and Adelaide Street behind the Winter Gardens, artists were making the most of the sunny weather over the weekend.

And Robin praised local artists for their contributions – standing up alongside some of the best in the world.

“It was very bright, very colourful this year – which might have been the South American style,” he added.

“The local artists who took part all upped their game, and no one could tell who they were, compared to the international ones.

“Images from the weekend have gone viral, they’ve been shared around the world on social media and hopefully the friendships and contacts built by the local artists will see them recognised elsewhere now.”

Sand, Sea and Spray didn’t take place last year, as Robin had been diagnosed with diabetes and didn’t know what to expect from the condition.

Now, with the festival organised by Aunty Social, with additional sponsors and funding secured, as well as Robin’s condition under control, the festival can look to its future.

“I had no idea last year how diabetes would effect me,” he said. “I was exhausted at the end of Saturday, and my blood sugars were low by the end of the day, but I got the Jelly Babies in and was fine!

“Now we sit down and say ‘where do we go from here?’

“People of Blackpool have proved they love the festival and we want it to continue.”