National Sandcastle Contest goes virtual for 2021
18th annual Beach Sandcastle Contest goes online
This year, the 18th annual Beach Sandcastle Contest will be a virtual competition between 31st July and 5th September.
Previously held at Bettystown beach on the Meath coast, this year's competition is intended to be a COVID safe alternative.
There will be two categories - under 14 and family, and the sand castles and sculptures can be constructed on any Irish beach.
The National Sandcastle & Sculpture Competition was the brainchild of local resident Dick O'Reilly in 2003. His dream was to promote the coastal area of County Meath as a fantastic natural amenity for all to appreciate and enjoy.
In 2019, there was a strong emphasis on Global warming, with creations titled 'Save Our Seas from Plastic' and a distressed whale with his mouth full of salvaged beach rubbish. Other entrants were aeroplanes, the Hogwarts express, lions, hippos’ crocodiles and marine creatures, mermaids, whales, and turtles with every variation of sandcastle imaginable.
The National Sandcastles and Sculpturing is a voluntary group set up to promote the use of the Meath Coast Beaches as living amenities to be enjoyed whatever the weather. Annually working with other community groups such as the Meath East Community Association Local Businesses and Meath County Council, the Sand Festival is supported by local businesses and The Fisheries Local Action Group.
How to enter
Submit entries to meatheastsands@gmail.com
Email photos/short video of your entry to meatheastsands@gmail.com
• Include: Your name, Category, Beach Location, Title of your piece.
RULES:
• Sandcastle & Sculptures can only consist of sand, driftwood, shells, seaweed, rocks and stones found on the beach on the day of building.
• No permanent forms shall be included in your structure.
• The use of shovels, hoes, spatulas and spades are permitted.
• Sand forms, buckets can only be used as forms.
• All entries must be constructed on an Irish Beach.
• Entries submitted after midnight, 5th September will not be considered.
• The winner will be chosen by our Judging Panel.
• The winner of each category will be contacted directly via the email address used for submission within 28 days of the closing date and will need to respond within 28 days or a new winner will be chosen.
• The winners name will be available on request and published on our Facebook page
www.facebook.com/Sandkasels/
JUDGING CRITERIA:
• Originality/creativity, attention to detail and artistic impression.
PRIZES:
• Category 1, Under 14: 1st Prize €50, 2nd Prize €20, 3rd Prize €20.
• Category 2, Family: 1st Prize €250, 2nd Prize €100, 3rd Prize €50
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sandkasels/