Competitors are set to return to the beach next month as the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition returns.

Hannah Emmerson, the event organiser, said the Horseshoe Bay competition was given the green light to go ahead on September 4, with appropriate Covid-19 safety measures.

This year’s event has cut the maximum number of entries from 50 to 25 to ensure and slashed the number of categories to just Adult and Family.

A spokeswoman said: “We’re happy to announce that both local categories are full and registration is now closed.

“However, there are five spaces still available for visitors to the island to enter under the ‘tourist’ category – if you have friends or family down visiting please encourage them to join our special day.

“We are looking forward to seeing what our visitors can create out of the island’s signature pink sand.”

Competitors will be required to check in between 9.30pm and noon on the day of the competition.

Sandcastle construction will start at 10am and end at 4pm.

This year’s judges will include Jamal Hart of CedarBridge Academy, Shawn Lekki, the director of food and beverage at the Hamilton Princess, and Danielle Baiunco from golf’s The Bermuda Championship.

Competitors will vie for cash prizes, with the first place team winning $500, the second place team winning $400 and the third place team claiming $300.

Prizes for tourist entrants were provided by the Hamilton Princess, including a two-night stay in a Signature Room at the hotel, a 90-minute massage at the Exhale Spa and a champagne brunch for two.

The overall winner will win the Best on the Beach prize – along with $1,000.

The spokeswoman said: “A very special honourable mention prize is also being offered this year.

“Bermuda Sandcastle Competition is excited to be collaborating with The Bermuda Championship who have offered complimentary tickets to the Bermuda Championship PGA Tour at Port Royal Golf Course in October.”

Ms Emmerson said she was anxious to see what competitors would come up with.

She added: “We hope that the public will join us on the beach for a safe and socially distanced event that the whole family can enjoy.

“We are so blessed to have some outstanding repeat teams lined up.

“Will team Amazon hold onto their best on beach trophy or will this be the year team Monsters Inc take it from them?”

Tim Morrison, the general manager of the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition once again.

“Each year the competition is a highlight of Bermuda’s summer scene and it’s a wonderful way for friends and families, locals and visitors to celebrate our beautiful beaches and this traditional pastime.”

Other sponsors for the event include Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery, the Oil Group of Companies, hardware store Gorhams and The Bermuda Championship.

A series of free workshops will be held at Horseshoe Bay on August 28, September 1 and September 2.

All of the workshops will run between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, with participants able to learn the secrets of sandcastle construction and design from past champions.

Anyone interested in taking part should e-mail hello@sandcastle.bm to reserve a spot.