Organisers are gearing up for their annual festival celebrating marine life and coastal habitats.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s SeaFest will take place at St Bees beach on Saturday July 25.
The event coincides with National Marine Weeks, which runs from July 25 to August 9, and forms part of Irish Sea Day.
The theme of this year’s marine weeks is incredible journeys, celebrating the migrations of species including the European eel, Arctic tern and bottlenose dolphin.
Toryn MacDonald, SeaFest organiser with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming families to this year’s SeaFest!
“As well as some familiar favourites, such as the sand sculpture competition, guided walks and rock pooling, we’re pleased to offer some new activities, in particular the chance to create beautiful cyanotype artworks from natural objects found on the beach.
“SeaFest is a great way to explore the amazing wildlife we have right here on the Irish Sea coast. We’ll be joined by lots of marine experts, as well as talented artists and craftspeople – there’ll be something for everyone. Why not join us as we celebrate Cumbria’s wonderful coastal wildlife?”
Activities scheduled throughout the day include marine crafts and games, a mobile rockpool, a virtual reality headset experience and guided rock pooling.
People will also be able to watch arts performances by the L’aal collective, go on a guided tale-trail walk, visit a Surfers Against Sewage stall and view a sand mural by local artist Simon Wheatley.
A sand sculpture competition will take place between 1pm and 3pm to coincide with low tide.
Prizes will be provided by Lake District Wildlife Park, The Beacon Museum, Coniston Steamers, The Rum Story, Lakes Aquarium and Florence Mine.
Cyanotype printing sessions will also run between 11am and 3.30pm.
People can use found objects on the beach, such as seaweed, sand and stones, to produce cyan blue images without a camera.
The festival is a free drop-in event and will run from 10am to 4pm.
Places for the sand sculpture competition and cyanotype sessions must be booked in advance.
