WE ALL love to be beside the seaside and Bamforth Beryl is a symbol of the good, old-fashioned British holiday.

Modelled on the buxom bikini-clad lovely made famous by Bamforth’s postcards, saucy Beryl is promoting Holmfirth Arts Festival .

At 8.5ft tall Beryl is a big girl in every sense. Click on the link below to take a look at Beryl around Holmfirth!

Yesterday she was hauled into place on the facade of the century-old Holmfirth Picturedrome as an eye-boggling advertisement for next month’s festival.

Bamforth’s, the famous postcard company , is sponsoring the festival which runs from June 13-23.

The festival will transform the town with bucketloads of music, theatre, exhibitions, comedy, workshops and walks – all with a distinctly seaside theme.

In keeping with the theme, deckchairs will be strategically placed around the town where visitors can take the weight off their feet and write a postcard.

Click on the link below to see a gallery of suacy Bamforth postcards - which is your favourite?

But instead of ‘wish you were here’ they will be asked to put into words what they think of the Holme Valley.

Festival director Fiona Goh said it was apt that Bamforth’s was backing this year’s event.

She added: “We may be 60 miles from the nearest beach but I am fascinated by Holmfirth’s unique and unexpected claim – through Bamforth’s postcards – to be the inventor of the great British seaside.

“Our festival of ideas explores the town’s identity, past and present, and there’s no reason why we can’t bring the seaside to Holmfirth.

“In addition to our themed events, visitors can take part in a postcard trail for a chance to win a hamper of Holmfirth goodies.”

Highlights of this year’s festival will include a performance by classical guitarist XueFei Yang at Holy Trinity Church, Holmfirth, on June 14 while British jazz pianist Django Bates plays the final date of his UK tour at the Picturedrome on June 16.

Broadcaster, DJ and journalist Andy Kershaw brings his one-man show to the Picturedrome on June 17. Comedian Mark Thomas, poet Harriet Tarlo and artist Judith Wood are also coming.

For more details see www.holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk or to buy tickets call Holmfirth Tourist Information Line on 01484 222444 or Kirklees booking line on 01484 223200.