Share this page with friends ...

Sandworld’s co-founders, Mark Anderson and David Hicks are ‘pounding’ up Weymouth’s sand in readiness for the grand opening of ‘Literally Sand’ at their Lodmoor Park venue on Saturday 5th April.

With just one week to go until Sandworld opens for the 2014 season we went for a look at how thing were going and were totally amazed by what we saw. This is definitely raising the bar from past years which we would never have thought possible. See what you think, here are a few pictures we’ll add a few more later …

[justified_image_grid caption=off mobile_caption=off lightbox=foobox mobile_lightbox=foobox ng_gallery=50]

The family run business have been creating life-size sand structures, both at their Country Park location and on Weymouth’s beach since the early 1920’s, when Mark Anderson’s Grandfather first created an incredible sand sculpture.  Since then, Sandworld have enjoyed commissions and undertaken work for Lynx, Monopoly, London Olympics and even the Queen.

2013 was an incredible year for Sandworld, as they not only won the coveted Bronze in Dorset Tourism Awards in the fiercely contested Best Visitor Attraction Category, but they also competed in the doubles event at the World Sand Sculpting Championships in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.  David’s image was also proudly featured on the unique Guinness world record puzzle, cut by Weymouth craftsman Dave Evans, consisting of 40,000 pieces and which was exhibited at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate throughout the summer of 2013 (image attached).

Sandworld reopens on Saturday 5th April with one of their most dynamic exhibitions featuring characters and scenes from famous books and authors, branded as ‘Literally Sand’.   Twelve master craftsmen from across the globe are now arriving in Weymouth to commence sculpting War Horse’s Joey, Sherlock Holmes, scenes from Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Jungle Book and Lord of the Rings.  David Hicks enthuses “Sandworld at Lodmoor Country Park has only been operating for three years and was born out of our aim to bring the best sand artists from around the world to Weymouth. It has already brought hoards of visitors through its doors because it is unusual, exciting and maintained to such a high standard that people come again and again.”

Roald Dahl’s Literary Trust have been most supportive, as they are marking the 50th anniversary of ‘Charlie’ this year, together with the success of the West End musical and have donated a Charlie print by Sir Quentin Blake, plus a family entry ticket to the Roald Dahl Museum.  Sandworld have arranged for Dutch artist, Edith Van De Wetting to construct the ‘Charlie’ sand sculpture.   It is believed the original book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and across the pond, Penguin US will kick off their 50th Anniversary celebrations in April with a national Golden Ticket sweepstake, whereby five grand prize winners will have the chance to be Willy Wonka for a day and run a Dylan’s candy store.

David and his co-founder Mark Anderson also met with the puppeteers and ‘Joey’ up close and personal during The National Theatre’s tour of War Horse, which has helped to further encourage Sandworld’s ideals & vision for the forthcoming sand sculpture of Joey, incorporating 20 tonnes of sand.

Five local authors  are attending the grand opening on Saturday 5th April 2013 to read passages from books and join in the celebrations as Sandworld enter a new chapter by embracing the wonder of books and the joy of reading:-

  • Kit Berry
  • Carol Hunt
  • Laura James
  • Kathy Sharp
  • Kate Kelly

Visitors and tourists can witness their favourite book characters literally brought to life, through the incredible creation of sand and David, Mark and the rest of the creative team are already ‘pounding’ up Weymouth’s sand in readiness for the forthcoming event.