
Castle by Pete Faverio, Overall winner 2022
The Bermuda Sandcastle competition is held on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend holiday every year. Founded by Nicky Gurret in 1995, it continues to be one of the islands favorite public events.
The competition is FREE to enter, and early signup is encouraged, as the competition is limited to only 40 teams.
Once you are signed up you will receive a confirmation email with tips and pointers. Reminders of the FREE workshops are provided the week before the event.
The 2023 FREE WORKSHOPS will take place at Horseshoe Bay Beach on the following evenings:
- Saturday, August 24th – 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Wednesday, August 28th – 5:30pm – 7:30pm
- Thursday, August 29th– 5:30pm – 7:30pm
In these tutorials, participants learn how to create masterpieces in sand, from past champions. 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.


Rules for contestants:
Sign up your team (of up to 6 people) into one of the following categories:
- Children (under12)
- Family
- Teenager
- Visitor
- Adult
Competitors must check in between 9:30am and noon on the day of the competition. Each team will be assigned a building plot of 8ft by 8ft and will be supplied with a mound of sand to work with to give them a head start.
Entrants of the competition receive free beverages on the day, thanks to our long-standing partnership with John Barritt & Son.
Teams can start building at 10am and have until 4pm to finish their masterpieces.
All sandcastle building tools must be placed down by 4pm, at which time the judging commences.
Criteria:
The judges are looking for three criteria.
- Design and use of space
- Story or creative idea
- And technical execution and detail
After the judges have deliberated, the winners are announced at the main tent for prize giving.

Judging & prizes:
The panel of judges includes: Jamal Hart, Tim Morrison, Manager at the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Arden Vickers from The Butterfield Bermuda Championship .
Top prize, open to all entries, is
“Best on the beach” $1,000,
Sponsored by Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewlery
Contestants in the ADULT, FAMILY, and TEENAGER categories will be competing for cash prizes of:
- 1st – $500
- 2nd -$ 400
- 3rd – $300
Childrens category is being sponsored this year by Gorham’s who are offering gift cards in the above-mentioned amounts to each winning team.
Tourist prizes, Generously sponsored by the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach club, are as follows:
1st prize • Two-night stay in a Signature Room at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club
2nd prize • 90-minute Massage of your choice at Exhale Spa
3rd prize • Champagne Brunch for two at Crown & Anchor
A very special Honorable mention Prize is being offered this year. Bermuda Sandcastle Competition is excited to be collaborating with The Butterfield Bermuda Championship who have offered complimentary tickets to the Bermuda Championship PGA Tournament at Port Royal Golf Course in October.
We hope you are as excited as we are and will join us on our big day on Horseshoe Bay.