The countdown to this year’s Bermuda Day Parade has begun, with the Minister of Culture calling on the island to get involved.

Owen Darrell said that there are only 100 days to go before the May 24 event kicks off, and that preparations have already begun across the island “for this beloved celebration of all things Bermudian”.

Speaking in the Senate today, Mr Darrell said that charities and other groups could tap into funding to offset the cost of floats and costumes.

Mr Darrell told fellow senators: “You will recall my announcement of the Heritage Month theme this past November, ‘Culture Equals Energy’. This theme speaks not only to the amazing momentum created by last year’s parade, where participants and spectators alike danced and celebrated in the torrential rain, but also encapsulates the vibe of a holiday that many of us love above all others.

“I would like to remind the public that last year was the first time that participants were able to benefit from the Bermuda Day Fund, which was established to help offset essential parade costs such as truck rentals, float-building materials and costumes.”

Mr Darrell said that ten organisations applied for funding last year, with grants of up to $2,500 to each one.

Mr Darrell said: “As the minister responsible for culture, I would like to encourage the corporate sector to support these community groups by donating to this fund.

“The Bermuda Day Parade is an event that brings together the entire community to celebrate our culture and identity. It is an event which is not possible for the department to execute without community participation. For this reason, it’s so important for us to help lower the financial barriers for entering the parade, especially given that several of these groups are charities.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can visit the Bermuda Community Foundation website, www.givebermuda.org/BermudaDayFund.

For more information on entry categories and sign-up forms, visit www.culture.bm. Groups that wish to be considered for sponsorship through the Bermuda Day Fund must submit their applications no later than April 19.

Mr Darrell added: “Participating in the Bermuda Day Parade is an opportunity to be an integral part of something truly special. It’s a day that promises to be a celebration of our diverse cultural tapestry.

“With a sign-up deadline fast approaching on April 19, I urge our cultural groups, schools, performers, businesses, charities and other government departments to seize this chance to showcase the vibrant colours of our collective heritage.

“Participation matters. This parade is our canvas. Participating in the Bermuda Day Parade is not just an individual act, it's a collective expression of who we are as a community.

“Let's make May 24, 2024, a day to remember, a day when we collectively celebrate the kaleidoscope of our heritage. Together, let's make our community parade a resounding success.”