The 21st Bermuda Sand Sculpture Competition will go ahead this year after new sponsors came forward.

Organiser Nicky Gurret had appealed for assistance in this newspaper after the Bermuda Government pulled its funding, meaning the event on Horseshoe Bay was in danger of being cancelled.

“I’m very happy that the competition is happening,” Ms Gurret said. “Because of The Royal Gazette article, I had several entities contact me with offers of assistance and sponsorship in ensuring it takes place this year.

“It’s a wonderful family event for Bermuda, and a way of getting the community together on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.”

She thanked the Green family, who own and run the Hamilton Princess, and Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery, both of whom stepped in to fill the gap left by the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation.

“We are very grateful for their generosity and would also like to thank the Department of Parks and the Department of Youth, Sports and Recreation for their continued support,” Ms Gurret said. “The Department of Youth, Sports and Recreation for their past two years have provided sponsorship and assistance, and organisers will be working with the Department’s summer camps this year to provide free workshops and look forward to continued collaboration with the Department.”

The competition will take place on Saturday, September 3, from 10am to 5pm and will feature four categories.

These are families, children aged 12 and under, teenagers between the ages of 12 and 19 and the open category for adults, companies and tourists.

Entrants are limited to building on a 10ft by 10ft lot between 10am and 4pm, with one category per team, which can consist of up to six people.

A panel of three judges will begin judging at 4pm, with cash prizes for first, second and third place.

A special prize is on offer for best overall entry.

• Anyone who would like to enter should send the name of the category along with name of team members to sandcastle.entry@hotmail.com. For general enquiries, call Nicky Gurret at 295-4597