An annual sandcastle-building contest will welcome two semi-professional creators to the island.

The Bermuda Sandcastle Competition will bring back Pete Faverio, a Delaware-based builder who has competed in the competition twice before.

Organisers will also greet Tony Cusicanqui from Long Island, New York, for his first foray into the island’s contest.

Hannah Emmerson, the competition’s main organiser, said: “I’m super excited to be growing our little thing to something that might be more international.

“We might not have the budget for professionals, but we have such lovely beaches that I think we can make ourselves attractive.”

Mr Faverio has been creating intricate sandcastles for eight years and considers the process his “happy place”.

Mr Cusicanqui has been creating sandcastles on New York’s Tobay Beach since 2020 and will be working in Bermuda for the first time.

Ms Emmerson said that the competition will continue to be focused on local creativity.

She added that “several repeat teams” had also signed up for the competition.

Contestants and teams of no more than six people will be split into five categories.

Contestants in the adult, family and teenager categories will receive cash prizes of $500 for first place, $400 for second place and $300 for third place.

The top three prizes in the children’s category will receive gift cards sponsored by Gorham’s in the same amounts.

Winners in the visitor category will receive a two-night stay in a signature room at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club for first place, a 90-minute massage at Exhale Spa for second place and a champagne brunch for two at Crown and Anchor for third place.

Contestants in all categories will also be in the running for a Best on the Beach top prize of $1,000.

Sponsors of the non-profit event include Everen, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery and Gorham’s, and drinks for all participants will be provided by John Barritt & Son.

Karyn Peixoto, of Everen, said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our vibrant community while enjoying the stunning beauty of Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay.”

Tim Morrison, the Hamilton Princess’s general manager, added: "Year after year, the event is a wonderful way for friends and families of both island residents 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.”

Alexandra Mosher 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.”

Free workshops to help contestants prepare for the competition will also take place on August 24, 28 and 29, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Horseshoe Bay.

Anyone who would like to attend a workshop must do so by e-mailing hello@sandcastle.bm. Equipment such as shovels and buckets will be provided.

The competition will take place on August 31 on Horseshoe Bay.

Contestants must check in between 9.30am and noon on the day, will building starting at 10am.

Each team will be given an 8ft-by-8ft plot of land and will be given a mound of sand to start.

Tools must be downed by 4pm, at which time judges — longtime supporter Jamal Hart, Roydell Neverson, of Hamilton Princess, and former entrant Debbie Backeberg — will assess the entries.

• Contestants can sign up for free atsandcastle.bm