Beach lovers, along with slum dwellers, Corporation workers and non-governmental organisations, had collected 70 tonnes of garbage over the last two weeks between Broken Bridge and Elliot’s Beach, in a clean-up drive organised as part of the Save Chennai Beaches Campaign.

On Sunday, helped by fine arts students, they made a monument of the garbage — mainly consisting of stryofoam and slippers — on the beach. The celebration began in the morning with a cricket match between youth from the slum and morning walkers.

There was also an orientation walk, guided by Nityanand Jayaraman, an environmental activist, who explained historically and ecologically significant spots on the beach to walkers.

Workshops on composting techniques, and eco-friendly toy making were held with experts demonstrating techniques on avoiding excessive waste generation.

The party was aimed at creating awareness on how celebrations can be held without polluting the surroundings, said Archana, a campaign co-ordinator.

“We also held music and dance competitions at nominal sound levels to show that parties can be held without disturbing fellow citizens,” she said.