FOR Roger Sherratt, the anniversary of the tenth Concerts in the Park Series is recognised as a dual celebration.

For it was ten years ago that Mr. Sherratt (pictured) took on his role as Secretary of the Corporation of Hamilton - a position which enabled him to become heavily involved in the series, sponsored by the Bank of Butterfield and held in conjunction with the Corporation.

"The tenth anniversary happens to coincide with how long I've been at the Corporation," he said. "The Concerts in the Park Series were started after a gentleman from the Bank of Butterfield came to say they were looking to sponsor something different, something that was more of a cultural than a sports activity. And at the Corporation, we were looking (to hold) something in the City that was positive." It was Tom Lamonte, an employee of the Bank of Butterfield, who came up with the idea of a concert in Victoria Park, he said.

"Someone had mentioned that they used to have wonderful concerts at the bandstand when the Royal Navy ships came in. The bands would march from Front Street to Victoria Park and would perform regimental-style music, which was very popular at the time.

"And so in 1992, we contacted every band in Bermuda and got four bands together to perform. It proved phenomenally popular. Everybody commented on how nice it was to revive the concerts but it was decided that we didn't have enough bands to perform military music on a regular basis and so we decided to do a variety of themes.

"It's grown, really, from strength to strength and the bank has stayed with us as a sponsor throughout the ten years." The series has proved successful, not only because it offers an evening of free entertainment, but because it has provided a venue for showcasing local talent.

"Every year we try to do something different," added Mr. Sherratt. "We have sometimes had overseas performers. We've had the US Air Jazz Band and Ben E. King was probably one of the real highlights but it's been a tremendous way of letting Bermuda see the talent that the island has - both the (older, well-known) musicians and the new ones coming along.

"The Corporation has been delighted with (the series) and we are very pleased with the commitment the Bank of Butterfield has made. The series has got a very loyal following of people, some of whom come to every single concert, which is nice.

"It's one place where we can see all walks of life - from the elderly to the young kids. It's a very nice atmosphere, very family-oriented and we continue to be pleased with it."