Castles, sculptures and more are set to appear on Horseshoe Bay next month as the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition returns to the iconic beach in full force.

After two scaled-down years, organisers said they hoped the 2022 annual competition, to be held on September 3, will be better than ever.

A spokeswoman said: “The organisers of the competition were forced to scale back the past two years due to the pandemic, but they are now looking forward to returning to regular numbers and hopes to fill the beach with some amazing entries.

“The organisers want to bring joy and community spirit to the island as a perfect highlight to the end of summer.”

The annual competition includes categories for adults, families, teenagers, children and tourists, with all of the entries eligible for the Best on the Beach prize.

Hannah Emmerson, competition organiser, said: “We hope that the public will join us on the beach for a fun event that the whole family can enjoy.”

Teams in the adult, family and teenager categories will be eligible for cash prizes of up to $500, while the children’s category – sponsored by Gorhams – will feature gift cards worth up to $500 as prizes.

The Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club meanwhile has sponsored the tourist category, with prizes including a two night stay in a signature room at the hotel, a 90 minute massage and a champaign brunch for two.

Tim Morrison, general manager of the hotel, said: “This competition has become a staple for the Bermudian summer and year after year is a wonderful way for friends, families of both locals and visitors to celebrate the beauty of Horseshoe Bay Beach while having some fun in the sun.

“We look forward to seeing the creative pink sand concepts that this year’s event will bring."

This year’s top prize – the Best of the Beach award – was sponsored by Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery, while this year’s honourable mention will win complimentary tickets to the Bermuda Championship PGA Tournament at Port Royal Golf Course in October 2022.

Alexandra Mosher, owner of Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery, said: “It's wonderful to experience locals and visitors coming together to design sculptural masterpieces in pink sand, while soaking up the sun at the water's edge.

“We're thrilled to be sponsors of this incredible event and look forward to witnessing each design emerge on September 3."

In the lead-up to the competition, the organisers will hold a series of free sandcastle workshops to help teams prepare and build their skills.

The workshops will take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm on August 27, August 31 and September 1 at Horseshoe Bay.

“In these tutorials, participants will learn how to create masterpieces in sand, from past champions,” the spokesman said.

“The workshops are offered not only for entrants needing a refresher course but also for anyone looking to try something new. No experience or artistic ability required.”

Anyone interested in attending a workshop is urged to e-mail hello@sandcastle.bm to reserve a spot, and those who wish to sign up for the competition can sign up at www.sandcastle.bm.