Mary Kaun English will be digging a temporary kiln alongside the surfers on Porthmeor Beach as she brings her pit-fired ceramic demonstration to the St Ives September Festival for the eighth successive year.

Mary and fellow artist Martyn Perryman will prepare the pit, fire their work and explain their alternative method of firing ceramics on the beach opposite Tate St Ives from 3pm on Tuesday, September 18.

They have permission to camp on the beach next to the pit overnight.

At 10am the following morning, they will unearth their ceramic creations which have been exposed to the elements in the purpose-built kiln.

She said: “I have undertaken ceramic pit-firings in many different locations, but Porthmeor Beach remains special to me.

“It has an unparalleled atmosphere and an enthusiastic audience during the September Festival.

“We had a great Festival last year and it is shaping up to be bigger and hopefully better this time around.”