‘Bring out the best in me’: Meet Leeds man competing in ‘high-stakes’ sandcastle show Race Against the Tide
‘I felt this would be a great opportunity to test myself in an unfamiliar environment’ 🏖️
Get ready to feel inspired for your next trip to the seaside because a Leeds local is set to wow audiences in a “high-stakes” sandcastle sculpting competition on national TV.
Chainsaw sculptor and retired art teacher Shane Green, is part of the cast for the very first season of BBC’s Race Against the Tide. The Otley native is competing against other hopefuls from across the country in the brand-new programme.
However, Shane will not be thrown in the deep-end and will be partnered with professional sand sculptor Lisa Lindqvist. Together they will have just six hours before the tide rolls in, the teams must transform tonnes of sand into spectacular themed creations while battling the clock, the weather and each other.
Speaking about the show before the first episode, Shane said: “Being an artist and art teacher all my life when this opportunity came along, I was both intrigued and excited by the possibilities of taking my craft into totally different material such as sand.
“I had just retired and started putting much more time into my chainsaw carving and I felt this would be a great opportunity to test myself in an unfamiliar environment. I looked forward to learning a new art skill and working alongside a professional sand sculptor - being taught rather than teaching!
“I also looked forward to the competitive nature of the series as I knew it would bring out the best in me.”
Scottish comedian, and voice of Love Island, Iain Stirling is on hosting duty. Race Against the Tide will premiere on BBC Scotland tonight (August 17) and Leeds viewers can tune in on BBC Two at 7.30pm tomorrow (August 18) - or watch it on iPlayer.
As the tide sweeps each sculpture away, the competition celebrates the naturally sustainable art of sand sculpting. Created using only sand and water, every creation is returned to the beach, leaving no trace behind.
Beach-ready Iain keeps the contestants entertained with plenty of sand puns along the way, while also having the important job of keeping an eye on the ever-moving tide.
Judging the sculptures are acclaimed artist and sculptor Sadie Clayton and internationally renowned sand sculptor Jamie Wardley. Together, they'll be looking for technical skill, creativity, and above all, wow factor.
At the end of every challenge, one team earns the title of Sand Champions, while another pair must leave the beach. After six epic builds, only one team will be crowned the first-ever Race Against the Tide champions.
Discussing the show, host Iain added: “All the sand sculptors featured in the show do it because they love it. I can't imagine any of them started sand sculpting thinking, ‘this is my route to fame and fortune.’
“So, they've all done it because they're incredibly passionate about it. And I get to showcase Scotland in the sun, which is a great thing to do!”
Judge Jamie Wardley chipped in: “It's great to do sandcastle building. I hope it inspires people to go to the beach because going to the beach with your family or your friends, and being creative and being in nature is only beneficial and is really good for you. So, I really hope it inspires people to do that.”