Castle constructors of all ages are invited to join in the 17th Annual Sand Sculpture Competition on September 1 at Horseshoe Bay.Organiser Nicky Gurret is encouraging all potential sand sculptors to try for the $500 grand prize.“Over the years we’ve had lots of different types of winners with many different sand sculptures. We’ve had winners from basically every category. People who think they can’t do it really can.”In past years, an octopus, a polar bear drinking a Coca-Cola and two starfish embracing have been selected as the winning sculptures.For the competition, groups will be assigned to a 12ft by 12ft plot on the beach, with the first 40 entries receiving an extra mound of sand to work with.There can be no more than six people per group, and each group may only enter one category.The overall winner will receive a cash prize of $500, and winners of individual categories will receive $125 cash prizes.Participants are split up into the categories of children 12 and under, teenagers between 13 and 19, families, companies or organisations, and tourists. There is also an open category that any group of people can join.Ms Gurret offered some advice for budding sand artists.“It’s very important to bring a bucket for water so you can wet the sand to begin with. You don’t have to bring tools but it’s nice sometimes to bring tools like a blunt knife or a spatula or a paintbrush. A shovel is quite nice too, but you can still do a sand sculpture just with your hands.”For anyone who wants some extra guidance, Ms Gurret will be hosting a sand sculpting clinic before the competition to provide more tips and techniques. The clinic will be held from 6pm to 7.30pm on August 30 and 31 at Horseshoe Bay.To enter the competition, e-mail bermudasandsculpture@bermudatourism.com with your group’s category.