8 teams of 2 artists each competed for the title of ‘World Champion Sand Sculptor’. They each had 40 tonnes of sand and a week to create their version of the theme ‘International Fairy Tales and Legends’. 12 nations were represented here: Holland, Ireland, Finland, Mexico, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Brazil, USA and Canada.

A gigantic, over 8 m high fantasy castle made of 600 tonnes of sand towered over the scene. At its feet was the spectacular eye-catcher: a dragon that emitted real smoke!

This event attracted around 300,000 visitors during its 8-week run and received worldwide media coverage.