The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Hannah Emmerson, longtime organiser of the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition, to host the beloved community event in 2027, a year that also marks BUEI’s 30th anniversary.
The annual sandcastle competition was founded by Nicky Gurret and has been managed by Ms. Emmerson since 2017. The event, which is a favourite amongst locals and overseas visitors alike, has been postponed for Labour Day weekend 2026, with plans for its return in 2027. Ms. Emmerson, who began competing in the competition in 2002, is partnering with BUEI to bring the event back next year, with BUEI taking on the administration and logistics while Ms. Emmerson continues to provide creative direction and leadership.
“I’m so thankful to have BUEI step in to help take this event to its next level. It’s the perfect merger between celebrating nature and our environment, and creative expression in sand. I’m so excited to see what BUEI can do with their team and wide range of resources focused on the event,” said Ms. Emmerson.
Ms. Emmerson will remain closely involved with the competition’s creative elements, continuing to lead sandcastle-building workshops, welcoming new and returning teams on the beach, and serving as a creative consultant with BUEI taking on all other facets of event coordination.
“BUEI is excited to partner with Hannah to bring this much-loved Bermuda tradition back in 2027,” said Traci Burgess, Chief Executive Officer of BUEI. “The Bermuda Sandcastle Competition is a natural fit with BUEI because it brings together creativity, community and an appreciation for the ocean and Bermuda’s natural environment. It gives people a fun and accessible way to connect, explore, discover and be inspired, while reinforcing the importance of caring for our ocean and environment, which sits at the heart of BUEI’s mission. Our role is to provide the organisational platform and resources to help this event thrive for years to come, while Hannah’s creative leadership remains an important part of its identity.”
Additional details regarding the 2027 Bermuda Sandcastle Competition will be announced next year.
About BUEI
The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) is a registered Bermuda charity #326 whose mission is to nurture an appreciation for the ocean around Bermuda and promote environmental stewardship through education, experiences and exploration.
