A fund has been launched to support participants in the Bermuda Day Parade, which this year carries the theme “A Bermudian Renaissance”.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, launched the Bermuda Day Fund yesterday in collaboration with Myra Virgil and The Bermuda Foundation.

The charitable fund invites contributions from donors to assist those in the community who wish to participate in the parade on May 26.

The fund will provide $2,500 to assist with the cost of costumes, truck rentals, fuel, float materials and any other costs associated with the annual event.

Mr Darrell described the parade as “a day of celebration, camaraderie, music, energy, culture and national pride”.

He added: “This is certainly a day of fun and excitement for those who are cheering on our fellow Bermudians from the sidelines but we also know that for those who are participating in the Bermuda Day Parade this can be quite an expensive endeavour.

“In fact, we have been receiving feedback from parade participants including float-builders, majorettes and dance groups that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to participate in this iconic event because of the associated costs.

“Unfortunately, this has contributed to a reduced presence by some groups.

“The Government has received expressions of interest from the private sector to provide sponsorship or support but a mechanism for pooling, collecting, tracking and disbursing donated funds is needed.”

Those interested in sponsoring parade participants are invited to donate to the Bermuda Day Fund. The Bermuda Foundation will serve as the fund manager and a maximum of $2,500. The amount is dependent on the budgetary needs of the participants.

Mr Darrell added: “This year’s Heritage Month theme is ‘A Bermudian Renaissance’, and we chose this theme because we recognised that Bermudians have always had to be resourceful.

“Our artists have always redefined Bermuda’s creative offerings, whether it’s public art, spoken word, music or dance.

“This innovative partnership is a perfect example of Bermudian resourcefulness and adapting to our current climate.“