St George's community pulls together for memorable New Year's Eve celebration

TUESDAY, DEC. 20: Businesses and individuals in St George’s have pooled together funds and resources “at the eleventh hour” for a unique New Year’s celebration in the Olde Towne.

Despite the strained economic climate, some 35 hotels, restaurants, stores, galleries, schools, clubs and individuals came together to make it possible. They raised $16,550 in just a few weeks which will go mainly towards entertainment and security.

As part of the celebrations Water Street will be transformed into an “evolving photographic art gallery”. Local photographers will project images of their work onto some of Bermuda’s oldest buildings as visitors stroll through the street.

The celebration will be a family-friendly event and there will be festivities on King’s Square and Ordnance Island. There will be a “kiddies area” complete with rides, bouncy castles, face-painting and a bucking bull ride from 7pm onwards.

The Working Title Band featuring Lamont Robinson will play a set as well as the Reality Sound System from about 9:30pm. There will even be fire-eaters to mark the approach to midnight and bagpiper David Frith will pipe in the New Year along with the traditional onion drop. That will be followed by a spectacular laser light show that will make it a truly memorable start to the New Year.

The celebration is just the latest in a string of cultural events taking place in the East End in the past few months, including the Art Walk and Art in the Park events. Numerous galleries and boutiques have opened in the last year which has helped to revitalise the town.

Late revellers who are drinking alcohol are encouraged to stay the night in the East End to avoid the drive home.