An expectant crowd set up today in Hamilton in pent-up anticipation of Bermuda Day’s return as parade participants made their final preparations.

Lined with tents and thumping with music, Front Street at noon had the buzz of an island happy to regain its traditional opening of summer.

A healthy turnout of visitors was evident among thousands of Bermudians set up for the long haul.

With just over an hour to go until the start of the parade, the mood in Hamilton was: it’s back.