Energised dancers, live music, a variety of tasty snacks coupled with colourful choices of Cup Match apparel were among the featured attractions at the Court Street Market yesterday.

The atmosphere was one of celebration of the island’s culture as residents thronged the area under a hot afternoon sun briefly interrupted by a shower of rain.

Musician John Seymour on keyboard and reggae singer “Rivah” on guitar set the mood alight with renditions of Bob Marley’s popular hits, among other reggae songs.

As the two sang, residents stopped to buy their favourite Somerset and St George’s clothing and accessories from stalls that lined the street.

Gary Augustus, organiser and Court Street businessman, said the event went as planned, despite the brief downpour.

He said: “It went well; we had more people at previous ones but I think it’s the rains which affected people’s plans today.”

Mr Augustus said the cultural performances, which included dances from the Bermuda Donquili dance group and the Sui Generis dancers, kept the show alive.

He added: “I’m happy and everybody seemed in the mood for the event.”

Mr Augustus said he felt honoured by the support given to the event by the Department of Culture.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, attended.

She said Court Street “is home to a number of small businesses of our community which stands on a rich history of enterprise which was born within, and which continues to thrive in this area known for its diversity”.

She added: “Not only is Court Street a place for business, it is also a place for socialisation, it is also a place for many Bermudians who for many generations have called home.”

Several vendors reported that they were impressed by the cultural performances at yesterday’s event.

Ms Outerbridge, who operates Faith and Destiny Beauty, said: “It is very important for Bermuda because we are losing a lot of our culture, so it is nice to see them coming out to do the dances.”

She added: “We have got so much local talent, but we don’t seem to push them.”

Michael Simmons, president of the Bermuda Donquili dance group, said his team of dancers felt elated following their performance.

The group performed a Liberian dance called “Fungo”, which Mr Simmons called “a welcoming dance”.

He added: “The preparations for today's event went well. Also, we practise and train on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and so we are constantly practising for these events.”

Mr Simmons said the group are always ready to perform at events, even when called upon to do so at the last minute.

He added: “We don’t always know when someone is going to call and say they need a performance.”

He said the diverse group, who include male and female dancers of all ages, practise their routines at the Hamilton Youth Centre in Pembroke.

He said the make-up of the group “is very important because without the children the dances can’t progress, and it usually stops at the adults”.

Yesterday’s event featured the screening of the documentary Heart of the City, which features Court Street’s storied past, present life and prospects for the future.

Ms Furbert said the film was an extension of a project started by the students at Family Centre as their summer project last year.

She said: “The film serves to celebrate their community and its history and to negate the area’s social stigma.”

“Court Street, with its colour and vibrancy, is truly the heart of the City,” she added.

Meanwhile, preparations are under way for another cultural event that is slated for September 1 at the Court Street Market.

Mr Augustus the event will be “mainly about live music, a lot of live performances, so we are preparing for it”.