Our annual beach sculpture festival, now in its 12th year, continued on the fourth day at Bracelet Bay in Mumbles. Bracelet Bay is a small bay on the south of the Gower Peninsula. It is in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which celebrates its 60th anniversary of the title in 2016. It is the first bay one comes to after leaving Swansea Bay and rounding Mumbles Head.Surrounded by limestone cliffs, the bay is pebbly, with some sand. It is excellent for a picnic, and affords good views of Mumbles light-house.Several of the local schools in Mumbles created displays for the festival or took part in a pre-festival workshop at Bracelet Bay. Above the beach is the popular Castellemare restaurant and bar; while to the west the bay is separated from Limeslade Bay by Tutt Hill, which carries a coastguard look-out station. The name 'Bracelet' is thought to be a variation of 'Broad Slade' but little girl visitors to the festival love to create bracelets and necklaces inspired by the name and using the pretty shells that can be found here. Despite some heavy summer downpours in the morning, the rain eventually cleared and the beach was soon full of excited festival goers eager to create some interesting sculptures.
Jelly Fish prom stones animals made at Bracelet Bay
Pebble fun engaged lots youngsters during the day with adventurous activities that encouraged creativity and imaginative play
Little friends spent most of the day with our artists enjoying making sculptures and learning Fine Motor Skills - gathering, sorting and pattern-making whilst creating a wonderful starfish
A mermaid was wonderful fun to make
pebble pattern fun
.....To see page 5 of 2016 Festival at Blackpill Beach- click the link at the bottom of this page.
SAMPLE OF FESTIVAL MESSAGES FROM PARTICIPANTS
We made a dolphin, turtle, eel and stingray which we were very happy with. We loved spotting how shades of colour contribute to realistic sculptures which enhanced our creativity. the artist gave us facts about turtles and pointed out pecularities of stones on this beach. Art Festivals like this are important to have a variety of opportunities to engage with our local environment and our responses to it - it would be a loss not to have this festival each year. Holli Messam and three children
We made a starfish and a turtle which we loved. Our creativity was enhanced by learning how to make a sand sculpture. We learnt all about turtles at the festival and it was a great opportunity to be creative outdoors and explore. Rebecca and Amelia
We made a mermaid which we were very happy with. Our girls were encouraged to find their own pieces /shells to go in the sculpture. Events like this are worthwhile as its nice to be encouraged to be creative when surrounded by creation. Hannah and Emily Watts and parents
Our starfish, lighthouses and shell sculptures were fantastic. We really enjoyed the opportunity to explore the environment and handle a whole range of materials to use in art. We learnt the names of shells. Festivals like this are ideal - its great to be outdoors being creative with friends. Jenny, Isobel and Amy Richards
We made a lovely starfish and found out about winkles and tides at the festival. This event is brilliant for bringing people together and it broadens children's minds. This is the 2nd event we have attended and we loved every minute. Thank you all. Donna Robertson and Caitlyn Edwards
We made several starfishes with our artist and were very happy with them. We saw a starfish at the festival and the event was very fun. Mary and 3 boys
Our Jelly Fish Prom stones were very fun to make - it was a lovely way to learn. Thank you. Anne and Annette Brown
A beautiful curlew mosaic was created using the wonderful coloured pebbles
Thank you to everyone for making our annual sculpture festival such a success once again.
THANK YOU TO OUR KIND SPONSORS BELOW:
The festival continued the next day at Blackpill Beach, Swansea for the grand finale. To see day 5 of 2016 Festival at Blackpill Beach- click the link at the bottom of this page.
