Tehran, Aug 16, IRNA-The First Sand Statue Festival will be held in Babolsar, in northern province of Mazandaran, on September 1-6, an official in charge of the festival told the morning paper 'Iran Daily' on Monday.

Sculptors from all over the country are called to take part in the event, the festival's executive director, Khalil Samaei Jabloo told the English-language paper.

"Some 15 sculptors from Mazandaran province and 10 from other provinces have so far been invited to the festival," he added.

He noted that the festival can play an effective role in attracting tourists to the province.

"Several hundred visitors will come to Babolsar to see the festival in addition to several hundred amateur sculptors who will bring their works to the festival," he noted.

The festival will help promote environment protection and consolidate cultural and ethnic beliefs, he told the daily.

He said the applicants may submit the designs of their entries to the festival by August 16, adding a jury will evaluate the works and nominate top artists.

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