Premier Michael Dunkley has hailed the “incredible” performances of participants at this year’s Premier’s Concert.

Mr Dunkley praised the dozens of talented young people who took to the stage before a packed audience at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts at CedarBridge Academy.

He said: “The Premier’s Concert is an wonderful opportunity to highlight our youth.

“The performances were incredibly impressive and I want to congratulate each of our young people for showcasing their talents at such a forum. There are some very great things happening with our young people and we all need to continue supporting our youth and their endeavours.”

This year’s concert was the 30th Premier’s Concert since the event was first introduced by Ruth Thomas, MBE,

During Saturday night’s concert Ms Thomas was presented with a cedar engraved bowl by the Premier and Minister of Community, Culture and Sport, Wayne Scott, that was made by local craftsman Jeremy Johnson.

Mr Dunkley added: “Ruth Thomas is someone who is synonymous with Bermuda’s heritage, culture and arts.

“She has been a champion in ensuring that our heritage is always preserved, and she has been a fervent advocate throughout her lifetime in ensuring that our young people were given the forums they needed to thrive.

“For such a programme to be in continuous existence for so long definitely speaks to the amount of amazing, talent on our Island. And as the founder of the Premier’s Concert, Ruth Thomas was very deserving of Saturday evening’s presentation.”

This year’s Premier’s Concert included performances by United Dance Productions, In Motion School of Dance, Jackson School of Performing Arts, Bermuda School of Music and an assortment of individual musical, visual and spoken performances.