ORGANISERS behind Weymouth’s Sandworld have announced the new theme for its 2014 show: ‘Literally Sand’.

The show will be based on books and authors with sculptors taking influence from Moby Dick to J.R.R. Tolkien.

Sandworld was opened in 2011 by local sand artists Mark Anderson and David Hicks.

The tourist attraction has since held an annual themed show, which attracts the work and attention of sand artists from all over the world.

Organiser and local sand sculptor Mark Anderson said there would be something for all age groups at this year’s event.

Mr Anderson said: “We came up with the idea of books and authors because it is something that appeals across generations.

“We’ve come up with people like Roald Dahl, Ian Fleming, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Thomas Hardy.”

The show is hoping to build on last year’s success, which saw a 50 per cent increase in visitor numbers.

A number of local businesses have already signed up to sponsor individual sculptures, including The Balti House who will sponsor a sculpture dedicated to Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

Mr Anderson confirmed sponsorship opportunities were still available.

He said: “I think this is our first year where we’ve been successful in getting sponsorship. It’s been very tough.

“I put my house on the line, and David put half of his retirement fund on the line. We took a massive risk but we both really believe strongly in what we’re doing here.”

Past shows have had maritime, Olympic and sci-fi themes. Organisers hope this year’s event, which will take place between 4 April and 2 November, will welcome 50,000 visitors.

Meanwhile, Mr Anderson is also planning to sculpt a tribute to his late grandfather Fred Darrington in the Sandworld viewing area on The Esplanade.

He said: “This year I’m looking at something quite spectacular, something that my grandfather would do every few years.

“He used to work on the Last Supper, so I’m looking at doing in tribute to him the Last Supper with something to do with the First World War as well: a remembrance piece.”

SAND FACTS

  •  Sandworld has 2000 tonnes of Weymouth Beach sand
  •  Sculptures can take between five days and three weeks to complete
  • Readying the sand for carving is called the ‘pound up’
  • 96 per cent of Weymouth Beach sand is 0.15mm grain size
  • Wet sand sticks together because of surface tension