Weston-super-Mare sand sculpture festival under threat

The festival attracts sculptors from around the world

Weston-super-Mare's annual sand sculpture festival is under threat if a sponsor cannot be found, the new organisers have said.

North Somerset Council said it can no longer pay for the event, which has been running for six years and attracts sculptors from around the world.

The appeal, for at least £50k, has gone out to businesses and individuals.

Organiser Nicola Wood said: "We want somebody who believes in the festival as much as we do to sponsor it."

Ms Wood, from Leicester and Alec Messchaert, who lives in Holland, said they hoped to make the 2012 festival bigger and better than last year's.

"If we can find adequate support then the sand sculpture festival at Weston-super-Mare will definitely be happening this year," Ms Wood said.

"The event costs £150,000 to put together and we're looking for a presenting partner to contribute about £50,000."