'The Soiree ? Diamond Edition' to be held on Saturday night promises to be an elegant evening of good music, art and entertainment and also a boost to the local arts scene.

The second annual soiree will be held at Aberfeldy, Long Bay Lane in Somerset, the home of Denise and Kit Astwood, at 7 p.m. The evening is designed to raise money for the Bermuda Music & Dramatic Society (BMDS) and the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard.

This year, 'Diamond Edition' was added to the black tie soiree in honour of the 60th anniversary of the BMDS.

"This is really for people who want to support the arts and have a sophisticated evening," said Mrs. Astwood. "It is a joint venture. The money is divided equally between the two organisations. It is a good relationship. Last year the soiree was a great success so we decided to go with it again. We thought we would like to keep it fairly elegant. People like dressing up."

Last year the event was attended by around 200 people, and this year organisers are hoping for a similar turnout, although there are still some tickets left.

Mrs. Astwood said she and event organisers have been busy getting the garden at Aberfeldy ready.

"We are trying to make everything as nice as possible," she said. "We want to keep everything very pretty. Several people will be up over the next few days putting up the marquee. It is nice that people can wander around the garden and sip their champagne."

There will be a mixture of music including Lisa Maule and the Saltus Jazz band, Kate Ross & Friends performing classical music and swing music from the Tom Ray Band for dancing.

There will be a champagne reception, wine, cocktails and a sumptuous dinner of salmon or beef.

After dinner there will be a silent auction featuring prizes including personal and room makeovers; a trip to London; stays at luxurious hotels in Bermuda and abroad; spa days at Cambridge Beaches and Elbow Beach and a new, activated mobile phone.

The auction will also have artwork from leading artists Jonah Jones, Chris Marson, Sheilagh Head, Angela Gentleman, Suzie Lowe and Julie Hastings-Smith.

The dress is black tie. Tickets are available at $150 from the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard, from the BMDS box office or by telephoning 234-2809.