Thousands of residents and tourists alike attended Grand Festival by the Sea yesterday for an afternoon of art, music and food.

Organised by the Masterworks Foundation, the Grand Festival saw the awarding of two scholarships to two outstanding young art students, Meredith Andrew and Cherie Richardson.

A special Quick Art competition for veteran artists was a major part of the festivities.

Children from various schools also displayed their talents, which Masterwork's curator Elise Outerbridge said was part of the Foundation's mission to spread the good news about art.

"This year the art coming from the schools is excellent stuff. We are hoping that the Grand Festival continues to grow and help Bermuda grow from strength to strength and continue to be a diverse art community,'' Ms Outerbridge said.

"It's very important on this small Island to express oneself creatively rather than do it negatively.'' Of Ms Andrew and Ms Richardson, she said: "The panel felt very strongly about both students works. They were very strong and are keen to continue their studies abroad. They are on the right course.'' Ms Outerbridge said the Grand Festival came about after several Bank of Butterfield officers attended an "artist encounters'' and decided the bank should support not just sport or music.

"It was decided it should be an across the board community event where Bermudians and tourists will come together with the common denominator being the arts,'' she said.

"It was difficult the first year for an artist response,'' Ms Outerbridge said, "but the numbers are a little overwhelming because this year we have over 300 entries.

Tourism Minister David Allen launched the festival, saying it was the kind of event Government wanted to entertain tourists, particularly weekends.

The winners of the People's Choice Awards were Michael Parsons in the adult category and Jake Nichols among the juniors.

The professional class was won by Vaughn Evans, with Bente Brandt and Johanna Flath in second and third place.