More than 25,000 Bermudians and visitors flocked to the water's edge at Hamilton Harbour to see the beauty and imagination that is the annual Christmas Boat Parade.

Despite the ravishes of Hurricane Fabian in September, more than 40 decorated vessels were still able to light up the night sky with a range of illuminated images including dinosaurs, Gombeys, hilarious felines and even a huge dolphin, with moving flippers and tail.

There was not an inch of shoreline which didn't feature a family picnic, a camcorder-wielding tourist or a merry soul toasting one of Bermuda's finest Yuletide traditions.

The immaculate winter weather ensured up to half the Island's residents made the journey down to the Harbour to celebrate the spectacular event with a flawless and awesome fireworks display rounding off the evening's entertainment.

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess was responsible for entertaining massed ranks of enthused spectators, with a wonderful terrace party truly allowing the majesty of the parading vessels to be fully appreciated.

“We are thrilled with how the event went,” said organising committee member Steve Thomson.

“The weather was fabulous, the other boats in the harbour were super in the way they stayed out of the way and all credit to the skippers for the work they put in.

“We were down to 45 boats because of Fabian but is testament to the continued success and importance of this annual event that the quality of the entrants was still very high - and I think the thousands of spectators really appreciated that.”

See list of winners, Page 6