Bermuda Day Parade: 47 Entries in Reversed Route Line Up Celebrating 40th Anniversary

A fitting total of 47 entries will line the streets of Hamilton tomorrow following a reversed route in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Bermuda Day Parade.

The line up includes the traditional Bermuda Gombey troupes, majorettes, floats, marching bands, dance groups, music trucks and more.

Under the theme ‘Bermudian Excellence’ Minister of Labour, Cultural Affairs and Sports Lovitta Foggo said the route has been reversed to roll it back to the original route of the first parade in 1979, when it started on Front Street.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday (May 22), she said the decision was taken following “considerable feedback about the parade, which included concerns about the finish and in particular the steep Queen Street leg to the City Hall and lack of spectators”.

“The ending was therefore was anticlimactic for the participants,” she said.

An after-parade concert will also be held on Angle Street, where groups will arrange their floats to add to the festivities.

While noting that “Bermuda Day is that time of year when we celebrate all that makes us unique”, Ms Foggo added: “Our heritage, our culture and our pride as a people, these are the ties that bind us together.

“The public can be assured that much work has gone into co-ordinating this year’s Bermuda Day Parade and it is hoped that it will be an enjoyable experience for the thousands who plan on attending.”

She also noted that this is her “first Bermuda Day as the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sports”.

“And I am excited about sharing this amazing day with Bermudians and visitors,” said Ms Foggo.

“Bermuda Day is an occasion when we engage in a variety of activities such as supporting our runners, dancing with the Gombeys at the Parade, or even taking our first swim of the year.

“It’s a day to enjoy family and friends and a day to just simply immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of our culture.

“This year’s theme is Bermudian Excellence, which offers us an opportunity to show off our national pride,” she added.

“Over the past month, we have been highlighting our excellence in sports, education, philanthropy, advocacy, public service, business, the arts, hospitality and more. Bermudian Excellence is about celebrating every individual in our community who’s doing their part to make Bermuda great.

“Much work has gone into ensuring that Heritage Month was an engaging experience, and this includes the preparation and planning for the Bermuda Day Parade.

“In fact, one of the things we excel at is the Bermuda Day Parade. This event is one of the most anticipated cultural events on our calendar.”

The Minister continued: “Lastly for those members of the public who wish to continue their Bermuda Day festivities, we have been made aware that some parade groups have arranged their own display of floats and activities at the conclusion of Friday’s Bermuda Day Parade. This includes a free after parade concert on Angle Street featuring many local musical artists which will give the ending more of a Bermuda flavour.

“During the parade, we have also worked to ensure a lively experience for all.

“We will have some of Bermuda’s most popular personalities and DJ’s providing commentary and entertainment at various locations along the parade route to ensure an upbeat momentum from start to finish:

Nadanja Bailey will be at the BTA Visitors Centre.

Patrina “Powergirl” Paynter and DJ Damon will be at the Flagpole on Front Street.

Kristin White and DJ Rusty G will be keeping the crowds entertained at the Cathedral on Church Street; and

Tina Evans and Gavin Smith will be hosting live coverage at Global House, on Church Street. Our live coverage will also be streamed live on gov.bm and the Department of Communication’s FaceBook page.

The parade starts from Front Street at 1:30pm.