Sand Sculpture Festival Zandvoort

The EC Sand Sculptures has been inextricably linked with Zandvoort for several years now. It started in 2011 when  the National Championships were held in Zandvoort, which turned into a European Championship the next year. A phenomenon that has been annually organized in Zandvoort ever since.

From 10 October, the European Sand Sculpture Championships will start in Zandvoort for the ninth time. The theme this year is 'Zandvoort Goes Wild', a collaboration between the Zandacademie, the municipality of Zandvoort, Holland Casino and Zandvoort Marketing. Six sand artworks are produced by artists from 6 different European countries and can be viewed free of charge for a period of 4 months at various locations in the village.

"Zandvoort goes Wild" can be interpreted broadly by the artists as they see fit. From the rutting season of deer in the Kennemer dunes to a wild sea scene during an autumn storm and from wild water sports such as kite surfing to racing on the circuit of Zandvoort. Each artist will create a sand sculpture of approximately 3 x 4 metres and 4 metres high according to their own interpretation and design.

The last time the European Sand Sculpture Championships were held was in 2021. As of 2022, the event will no longer return. But there are several alternatives for art lovers. Walk the free sculpture route along 32 art objects in the public space through Zandvoort, for instance.