A fixture of the summer calendar is set to return on Sunday as the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition takes over Horseshoe Bay.

Hannah Emmerson, who organises the annual event, said that this year three semi-professional sandcastle builders will showcase their talents alongside island entrants.

“While having overseas artists is exciting, the competition is also all about our awesome local talent,” she said.

“We have several repeat teams already signed up and are looking forward to welcoming more new entrants to the creative world of sandcastle art.”

Ms Emmerson said that Pete Faverio, from Delaware, is returning to the island to participate in the event for the fourth year.

Mr Faverio, who claimed the Best of the Beach prize last year, started his sandcastle journey nine years ago and said building sandcastles is his “happy place”.

Meanwhile Tony Cusicanqui, from Long Island, New York, is set to compete in Bermuda for the second year and Darrell O’Connor, from Delaware, is scheduled to take part for the first time.

Ms Emmerson said that Mr Cusicanqui was excited to return to the island, describing him as an “unstoppable force” who made sand sculptures every day of his previous visit.

While Mr O’Connor has not competed in Bermuda before, he spent his honeymoon on the island 40 years ago and is eager to return to take part in the festivities and celebrate his anniversary with his wife.

“Visiting artists are able to participate thanks to our sponsorship with the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, which has generously provided rooms for their stay, and prizes provided by the Horseshoe Bay Live concession,” Ms Emmerson added.

Anyone interested in taking part in the event can sign up for free at sandcastle.bm with a range of prizes up for grabs, including the $1,000 Best of the Beach award sponsored by Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery.

Contestants in the adult, and teenager categories will be competing for cash prizes of $400 for first place, $300 for second place and $200 for third place.

The family category is being sponsored by the Island Restaurant Group and Coconut Rock, while the children’s category is sponsored by Gorham’s, which will offer gift cards to each winning team.

Visitors to the island are also welcome to take part, with the winner in the tourist category claiming a two-night stay in a signature room at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club.

The second-place entry in the category will win a massage at the hotel’s Exhale Spa, while the third place will earn a champagne brunch at the Crown and Anchor restaurant.

In advance of the competition, Ms Emerson has hosted a series of free workshops, with the final workshop scheduled to take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm today.

“In these tutorials, participants will learn how to create masterpieces in sand, from past champions,” Ms Emmerson said.

“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.”

Competitors must check in between 9.30am and noon on Sunday with building starting at 10am and concluding by 4pm, when judging begins.

Each team will be assigned a building plot and will be supplied with a mound of sand to work with to give them a start.

All entrants will receive free beverages on the day thanks to a longstanding partnership with John Barritt & Son.