The MarketPlace Christmas parade is to go ahead this year – but with changes to protect against Covid-19.

Seth Stutzman, the president of The MarketPlace Group, said the company was determined that the parade would be held.

He added: “The MarketPlace family believes in upholding traditions, particularly during the festive period.

“Under these challenging times, we felt more so than ever that it was important for us to keep our community spirits high and holiday traditions alive and ensure the safe production of the annual Christmas parade was a top priority.”

Mr Stutzman added: “For more than 30 years the joyous holiday event has been the kick off to the festive season and it was our goal to remain committed to that.

“We’re thrilled what we’ve come up with.

“While it will be a different experience for the safety of participants and spectators, joy and celebration will remain.”

The parade’s expansion aims to allow spectators to comfortably distance from one another. Spectators are encouraged to only gather in small groups.

The parade will be held on November 29 on an expanded route starting at Shelly Bay MarketPlace, go through the Hamilton and end at Heron Bay MarketPlace.

Changes will include expansion of the traditional route to allow more people to watch.

The number of participants in the parade will also be cut and everyone taking part will have to maintain social distancing and wear masks.

Vehicle-only participants and performances will not be included to ensure the parade keeps moving.

The parade will start at the Shelly Bay MarketPlace at 5pm on November 29, travel through Hamilton and end at the Heron Bay MarketPlace.

The route will take the parade west on North Shore Road, on to Middle Road, Cavendish Road and Reid Street, then on to Court Street, right on to Front Street, right on to Queen Street, right on to King Street and then to Spurling Hill, East Broadway, Crow Lane, Trimingham Road and on to South Road, then Middle Road to Heron Bay.

Viewers will be able to track the progress of the parade at www.marketplace.bm or on the MarketPlace app, which is available for download at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.