AN UNUSUAL event which has attracted attention from across the globe could be turned into a week-long festival.

The European Stone Stacking Championships have become a staple of Dunbar’s social calendar, with thousands of people visiting the town each year.

Now, the event will be rebranded the European Land Art Festival and Stone Stacking Championships.

James Craig Page, founder, is hoping to secure £5,000 through a crowdfunder campaign to enhance the programme.

He said: “It will mean we will be able to develop the European Stone Stacking Championships from a two or three-day festival into a week-long nature, art and environmentally aware festival.

“We are very blessed in Dunbar to have such an amazing variety of beaches and woodland areas.

“All these different areas can be used in workshops and developing artwork using different materials found in this area.

“They make a perfect backdrop for a town-wide festival and we are looking forward to bringing thousands of people to Dunbar this year from all around the world.”

READ MORE: European Stone Stacking Championships in Dunbar a big success

Funding from Dunbar Community Council means artists will be able to stay in the town’s Dolphin Inn.

Previously, the championships were centred on Eye Cave Beach, near Dunbar Leisure Pool.

Now it is hoped the event, which will take place from July 4 to 10, will be spread across four new locations – The Backlands, off the town’s High Street; Dunbar Harbour; Belhaven Beach; and Lochend Woods – as well as Eye Cave Beach.

Plans show mosaic making, a woodland walk and sand art, as well as the stone stacking championships, which will be split into various categories.

Mr Page, who lives in the town, stressed that without the funding there would still be a version of the event going ahead. However, he hoped securing the money would result in the full programme.

He highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of getting back to nature, with more people embracing the outdoors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “We have to take positives from this situation.

“More than ever, people need nature and to be outdoors and communicating with each other, sharing stories and concerns, and looking forward to a brighter future.”

In 2019, before the pandemic, the event attracted about 4,500 people and Mr Page was hopeful of a record-breaking year.

He said: “I would estimate we could easily take that to 5,000 visitors this year.”

See crowdfunder.co.uk/p/europeanstonestacking for more information.