St George’s was back in form for New Year’s Eve, with mayor George Dowling III estimating a crowd of 2,000 in and around King’s Square by early in the night to welcome 2023.

Bye 11pm, the Olde Towne was packed with revellers dancing to the WallStreet Band and dining on vendors’ meals from Ordnance Island and down Water Street.

“We have a fantastic crowd here that has exceeded expectations,” Mr Dowling said, watching from the steps of the town hall.

“It’s long overdue for St George’s. Hopefully, if everybody’s health stays where it is, we can build on what we have here tonight, make it better next year and keep this going.”

Fine and clear weather for the night came as a relief for organisers of the open-air event, which culminated with the midnight countdown by MC Nadanja Bailey for the traditional Onion Drop.

Mr Dowling was optimistic St George’s could establish itself again, with the easing of pandemic restrictions, as the place to party for New Year’s Eve.

“We’re trying to build a brand around WallStreet, New Year’s Eve and our vendors.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out, thank the band and DJ Iceman and our sound technicians for entertaining everyone, and most importantly the staff at the Corporation of St George’s.”

It was a welcome comeback for normality with more party hats than masks in sight in the packed square.

Many in King’s Square sat through the full night of music and families ate dinner on the grass at Ordnance Island.

Towards midnight a few thousand people crowded the square for Bermuda’s version of the Times Square Ball Drop.

The countdown broke into cheers as the onion was lowered; the old year went out and the new one came in.