WITH strange glowing lights in the Lower Gardens and massive battleships on Bournemouth beach, you'd be forgiven for thinking the town was under attack. Thankfully it's only the returning Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival that begins this evening and runs until October 18.

The popular family festival takes place throughout the seafront, Lower Gardens and town centre, as it hosts an exciting and unique programme of events; from samba music to sand sculpture art, giant battleship competitions to BSO concerts. This year's fifth festival takes inspiration from the UNESCO International Year of Light, which will be reflected in many of the events on offer.

Featuring local artists as well as critically acclaimed acts and performances, Bournemouth will be illuminated by an exciting programme for all to enjoy. During the opening weekend digital firework studio, PixelPyros will light up Bournemouth's Pier Approach.

Festival-goers will have the chance to put on their own visual displays using LED lighting and state of the art touch screens. Carrying on the theme of light will be Waterlight Graffiti, created by French digital artist, Antonin Fourneau. With the touch of a finger, a water spray-can or a paint brush, make your own illuminated eco-graffiti.

Head down to the seafront and you'll find yet more entertainment on offer. Why not indulge your competitive side with a game of Massive Battleships; a giant version of the classic children's naval game.

Also taking inspiration from the beach will be sand-sculpture experts, Sandscape, who encourage you to think about what it takes to build a town. Using Bournemouth beach as the settlement, build a landscape complete with mountains, valleys, skyscrapers and power stations.

The festival will get theatrical in the Lower Gardens this Saturday and Sunday with free performances from last year's festival favourites: Ramshackilicious and Wet Picnic, both returning with innovative and comedic new shows. Children's entertainer, Kid Carpet will keep the laughter coming for younger audiences at the Shelley Theatre over the weekend.

Providing the soundtrack to the opening weekend will be award winning samba musicians, Perhaps Contraption. Winners of the International Street Music awards, the nine-piece troupe will be getting people on their feet with their high-energy sound.

The soundtrack continues into Saturday evening when BSO's new musical ensemble, Kokoro, joins forces with London's Canticum Chamber Choir to create LUX. Taking place in the beautiful setting of St Peter's Church, Mark Forkgen will conduct this stellar programme of 20th and 21st century choral and ensemble music.

Councillor Jane Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships, Regeneration and Public Health at Bournemouth Borough Council, said; “We're over the moon that Bournemouth's flagship celebration of the arts is back for its fifth year. As always Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival looks sure to deliver its characteristic selection of thought-provoking and awe-inspiring events. Building upon the success of 2014's dazzling festival, this year's Arts by the Sea looks to be the highlight of the autumn.”

Councillor Lawrence Williams, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Arts added: “The fifth Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival is set to light up the town with a fantastic ten-day medley of unique and varied entertainment. It's wonderful to see the buzz it creates around the town and to have so many families engaging with the arts. We hope people immerse themselves in something different; whether that be creating orbs to light up the River Bourne, enjoying an open-air pyrotechnic theatre performance or taking part in a giant game of battleships!”

: For more information about times, tickets and events please visit artsbournemouth.org.uk or call 01202 203630.