The 2017 Sand Safari Arts Festival will be taking centre stage on the sands of Surfers Paradise this summer, when the precinct hosts its annual celebration of sand and sea-inspired art from 10 to 26 February.

The popular free event features the Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, drawing thousands of spectators to admire the country’s most talented sculptors, as they intricately carve life-sized masterpieces inspired by the theme ‘Mermaids and Mythical Creatures’ over three days from 10 to 12 February.

An initiative of the Surfers Paradise Alliance and presented by Streets Ice Cream, the festival will kick off with the intriguing Sand Trail from 3 to 26 February, which sees the art of sand sculpting extend beyond Surfers Paradise as more than 20 works of art pop-up in hotel lobbies, libraries and shopping centres from Tweed Heads to Loganholme.

From 10 to 26 February, visitors will also be wowed by the UK’s renowned “inflatablist” Luke Egan (aka Filthy Luker) as he returns to exhibit bold, playful and clever inflatable art interventions throughout Surfers Paradise.

The interactive event will offer an array of free and fun activities for families including sand art and workshops on the beachfront.