Parade participants and Gombeys were among the groups highlighted by the culture minister at a holiday celebration event this week.

Owen Darrell told attendees of the Department of Culture’s eggnog and dialogue session: “Your contributions breathe life into our culture and we couldn’t do it without you.”

Joy T Barnum and her band, Since Last Wednesday, performed during the celebration at the Leopard’s Club.

Mr Darrell highlighted record-breaking participation in this year’s Bermuda Day Parade, the return of the Gombey Festival and MakerSpace, which provides a free space for visual and performing artists to work.

He also singled out Kim Dismont-Robinson, the Director of Culture, who will leave the department after almost two decades of service.

Mr Darrell told Dr Dismont-Robinson: “Your legacy speaks for itself; we thank you for your hard work and commitment to Bermuda’s culture and creatives over the last 19 years.

“On behalf of the Bermuda Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, we wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter.”