New edition of Sand Sculpture Festival in Middelkerke takes visitors on a world trip

The fourth edition of the Sand Sculpture Festival in Middelkerke, at the Flemish coast, was opened today/Thursday for a selection of guests. The general public is welcome from tomorrow, 28 June, until 8 September. This year’s festival takes visitors on an imaginary world trip.

More than twenty international sand artists transformed about 5,000 tonnes of sand into a temporary work of art on an area of more than 5,000 square metres in Middelkerke.

This year’s edition features sand sculptures referring to places from all over the world. Visitors will amongst others be able to admire sculptures of pharaohs in Egypt, wild animals in Africa, the Taj Mahal in India and Japanese temples. Other ‘destinations’ include Easter Island, Rio de Janeiro, New and London.

Besides the sculptures, there will be an interactive show for children. Visitors can also make their own sand sculptures and participate in workshops. The site also features a bouncy castle and play areas. Parents can visit the beach bar.

“The Sand Sculpture Festival is a cherished partner, enabling us to host the coast's largest open-air event,” declared Middelkerke mayor Jean-Marie Dedecker. “Its presence seamlessly aligns with our identity as a quintessential family seaside destination.”

Tickets for the festival are available online at www.zandsculpturenfestival.com.

​^{#FlandersNewsService | Artists work on sculptures representing figures in fairy tales prior to the start of last year's Sand Sculpture Festival 2023 in Middelkerke © BELGA PHOTO John THYS / AFP}