This summer, Weymouth celebrates an incredible milestone – 100 years of sand sculpting on our beach. What began in 1925 with the legendary Fred Darrington’s imaginative creations has grown into a world-class tradition, enjoyed by generations of families, artists, and beachgoers.
To mark the centenary, We Are Weymouth and Sandworld are hosting a day of celebrations on Saturday 23 August 2025, shining a spotlight on Weymouth’s unique sand sculpting heritage.
What’s Happening?
📍 Weymouth Beach, by the Sand Pod (Pavilion end)
- 10.00am – Fred Darrington Sculpture Unveil
A special sand sculpture tribute to Fred Darrington, the man who started it all, will be revealed for public viewing. - 10.30am – Sand Sculpting Demonstration
Watch professional sculptors in action and pick up some tips for your own creations. - 11.00am – Sandcastle Competition
Open to all ages and abilities – from families to solo artists – everyone is welcome to build their own masterpiece. - 12.30pm – Judging, Public Viewing & Prize Giving
See the finished entries and find out who takes home the prizes.
Competition Categories
- Ages 5–10
- Ages 11–16
- Ages 17+
- Family entry
Each entry will also receive one free ticket to Sandworld (maximum one ticket per person).
Why It Matters
Sand sculpting is at the heart of Weymouth’s seaside heritage. Fred Darrington’s works first captured imaginations a century ago, and his grandson, Mark Anderson, continues the tradition today through Sandworld, alongside co-founder David Hicks.
As Mark explains:
“It’s incredibly special to mark 100 years of sand sculpting in Weymouth, a tradition my grandfather Fred began with just a spade, some sand, and a whole lot of imagination. To see his legacy celebrated on the same beach where it all started is both humbling and heart-warming.”
Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer of We Are Weymouth, adds:
“Fred Darrington’s legacy lives on in the sand and smiles of Weymouth. For 100 years, his art has inspired generations. This summer, we invite everyone to celebrate the joy, creativity, and community spirit that still flows through our beach.”
Join Us
Whether you’re building, sculpting, or simply soaking up the seaside atmosphere, this is a chance to be part of history. Come down to Weymouth Beach on Saturday 23 August 2025, 10am–1pm, and celebrate 100 years of sand sculpting magic.
