A CONVOY of metallic vehicles turned Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens into a futuristic and cinematic world on Friday evening.

A large crowd has witnessed the fascinating machines of the Mutoid Waste Company as they opened the third year of the Arts By The Sea Festival.

They were always going to add the wow factor after creating the stage sets for the Rolling Stones at their Glastonbury show this year.

And the artists’ collective, founded by Joe Rush, also directed the London 2012 closing ceremony of the Paralympic games. Among the machines on show was the Dino Dumper triceratops blowing smoke from its nostrils, which graced that closing ceremony.

Carol Maund, festival manager, said the machines were like a cross between the Mad Max and Terminator films.

“What a fantastic turn out,” she said.

“And they all seem to be enjoying themselves. It’s so good that it has attracted all ages and families.”

The machines will be out on display all weekend with another performance programmed for 7.30pm on Saturday.

Among the free programme of events for this opening weekend of the three-week festival is the sound sculptures created by artist and composer Ray Lee, on show outside the back of the Pavilion, near Pier Approach.

And throughout this weekend performance artists will continue the free shows in the gardens. These will include some eccentric tea ladies at the Wet Picnic time for tea and the song and dance shows and workshops by Mr Wippy and the Conettes.