Town prepares for urban art festival

Preparations are underway for Blackpool's Sun, Sea and Spray festival when the town becomes a blank canvas for urban artists from across the country and beyond.
Volunteers preparing walls for Sand, Sea and SprayVolunteers preparing walls for Sand, Sea and Spray
Volunteers preparing walls for Sand, Sea and Spray

Walls are designated to become the focus for a dazzling spectacle of colour and design between Friday July 29 and Sunday July 31.

More than 30 artists, some from as far afield as Cuba and Portugal, will join many from the UK and right here in Blackpool to take part, creating their unique pieces of art at various locations around the town.

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Organisers and volunteers have been working hard to get the walls ready for the artists and were joined recently by Coun Mark Smith, who represents the Talbot ward.

Along with fellow ward councillor Ian Coleman, he has also supported the event with a £1,000 donation from the ward budget.

Coun Smith said: “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 and 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.”

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As well as helping to prepare the walls, volunteers will be on hand during the event, helping the artists and acting as ambassadors over the weekend which includes a programme of social events and new this year, workshops for young people.

David Hirst of the Creative Arts and Futures Charity is one of the festival’s organisers.

He said: “Sand, Sea and 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.”

More details of the artists taking part, the programme of events and volunteering opportunities are available on www.sandseaandspray.co.uk.

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