ANTALYA — With the theme "Empires-2," the International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival (SANDLAND) is in its eighth year and will welcome 25 sculptors from 12 countries. The festival is organized on Antalya's Lara Beach and may be visited starting May 1. The artists will work for approximately three weeks building more than a hundred sand castles. The festival's director Cem Karaca told Anadolu Agency (AA) that due to the attention and the number of the visitors to last year's festival, the festival board decided to use last year's theme of empires again in order to feature works not included in last year's festival.A new part of the festival this year is the area reserved for children, who may work on their own sculptures to become tomorrow's sculptor. According to Karaca, "45-minute workshops will be organized for the children and a certificate will be presented to young artists who complete their works. Thus, young artists will enjoy other artists' work, be creative and also attend special events."The festival is built on 22,000 square meters and the sand sculpture exhibition will cover approximately 7,000 square meters.The remaining area is reserved for events that will take place throughout the day and night. The festival is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, the Antalya Promotion Foundation, the Antalya Journalists Association and other agencies and organizations and organized by the Global Design Art Works.About 10,000 tons of sand will be used to build the sculptures and visitors will be able to watch the artists on the job. The LED lighting system also offers a magnificent atmosphere at night and there will be documentary screenings throughout the festival.