LIFE'S a beach - and it certainly will be this weekend at the debut of the newly-themed 'Elsecar on the Beach' craft fair.

The event organised by Script Craft Fairs has been held at Elsecar Heritage Centre for four years but this is the first time it has boasted a bold new beach theme.

The fair is set to be bigger and better than ever. Almost 70 exhibitors are confirmed and the craftspeople showing are all local. They run micro businesses - several are mums working from home - and all products have been selected for their high standards and quality.

Lucy Dickinson, for Script Craft Fairs, said: "This will be the 'flagship' Elsecar on the Beach craft fair and we are hoping it will become an annual event. There are all kinds of products on offer including baby clothes, jewellery, prints and textiles."

The fair will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm and is in Building 21 at the heritage centre. Outside there will be funfair rides and stalls selling candyfloss and traditional seaside sweets.

Live music from acts such as acoustic whizz kid Stuart Bray (pictured) is scheduled over the two days and people can kick back in stripy deck chairs and chill out to the sounds.

Lucy said: "There will also be a postcard competition where people have a chance to win a prize of going to Disney on Ice - they just have to post an Elsecar on the Beach postcard from the fair."

Another big attraction will be a 'Bead Bar' set out like a sweet shop where people can sit and make their own beaded jewellery and have something handcrafted and unique to take home.