Those looking to hone their sandcastle creation skills ahead of a long weekend competition will have two more chances.

Free workshops will be held today and tomorrow evening ahead of the annual Bermuda Sand Sculpture Competition taking place on Saturday. They will take place at Horseshoe Bay beginning at 5pm.

The first of the workshops was held last weekend.

Hannah Strang, organiser of this year’s competition, said more than a dozen people turned out for the first instalment.

“The vibe was upbeat and keenly interested,” she said.

Those in attendance, she said, included teenagers and several families with children.

“We even had one of the kitchen artists come from the Fairmont Southampton to show us how he carves,” Ms Strang said.

“His speciality is ice and pumpkins, but sand doesn’t hold him back.

“We can’t wait to see what he will create on the big day.”

The workshop included tips and tricks on the proper piling and soaking of sand to create a strong base, and a look at some of the tools of the trade, including spoons, palette knives and painting brushes.

“Simple objects found around the house are both cheap and make the best tools to create a masterpiece,” Ms Strang said.

The annual competition was started by Nicky Gurret more than two decades ago. Some $2,000 in cash prizes will be up for grabs at this year’s competition. The event is free to enter thanks to donations from sponsors Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery and the Green family, owners of the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club.

“It’s always a rewarding experience to show people things they didn’t know were possible and watch their imaginations take off,” Ms Strang said of the workshops.

“You will be amazed at what you can create and will never look at the beach the same way again.”