Sunshine, applause and optimism marked the opening of Parliament ceremony yesterday.

Judges in wigs and Members of Parliament resplendent in top hats enthralled visitors, schoolchildren and locals who spilled out from behind barriers in the Cabinet Office grounds to get a better look.

But the highlight of the ceremony was the Governor's speech, deemed optimistic and upbeat by an attentive crowd.

"It really was his best ever,'' said Mrs. Irene Seaton of Pembroke. "He's getting on the right track -- it's what people wanted to hear.'' Mrs. Roseanne Fox of Sandys, who attends the ceremony every year, agreed. "It was really encouraging,'' she said. "I agree with a lot of things he said and I hope his remedies work out, especially things to do with women, tourists and families.'' Others were simply intrigued by the ceremonial paraphernalia as dignitaries arrived at the Cabinet Building one by one.

"We are just enjoying seeing the gals in their hats and the top hats,'' said one visitor from North Carolina. "Don't they look cute in their wigs,'' exclaimed another as two Supreme Court judges made their way to the Cabinet building.

By 10:42 a.m. excitement was mounting as the Bermuda Regiment arrived and took up their positions on the lawn.

Minutes later the roar of half a dozen Police motor cycle escorts signalled the arrival by horse-drawn carriage of the Governor, Lord Waddington in full regalia and Lady Waddington.

Press cameras and video lenses zoomed in as Lord Waddington inspected the Regiment Guard of Honour before summoning the House of Assembly.

Shortly after 11 a.m. Members of Parliament arrived at the Cabinet Building in pairs, MP Renee Webb a bright splash of red among a sea of UBP and PLP representatives in grey suits and top hats. After the Governor officially declared Parliament open, visitors expressed how much they enjoyed the opening.

"We loved the speech, ceremony and horse and buggy. It looked just like it does in the movies -- so British,'' said Mr. Richard Wolohan from Washington D.C.