Hamilton and the Bank of Butterfield, is undeniably one of Bermuda's great entertainment success stories.

Since the first was held in Victoria Park in 1992, residents have welcomed each Spring with the knowledge that Sunday evening entertainment will soon begin.

According to Corporation Secretary, Roger Sherratt, the idea was borne out of a discussion with Tom Lamont, the Bank's marketing manager.

"He was looking to put on concerts at lunchtime to provide some cultural activities in the City,'' he said. "During our discussions I suggested we try and hold them Sunday evenings at the Bandstand at Victoria Park, where they used to be held many years ago.'' The Bandstand, said Mr. Sherratt, was built especially for that purpose in the 1880's. Ordered by the Corporation to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, it arrived from Scotland a couple years late. It was once the scene of regular concerts by visiting army and navy bands and a major feature of Bermuda's cultural life until the garrisons at Prospect were closed.

"The first concert featured four of Bermuda's top bands and we were amazed to find some elderly people arriving at the park about three hours before it was scheduled to start. We had about 1,800 in attendance and decided to do another.

Sunday fun "The next was in 1993, the bicentenary of the founding of Hamilton. The Bank of Butterfield committed themselves to funding a whole series and we decided to adopt a series of themes -- gospel, ethnic, rock and roll, jazz, calypso and big band music. They all have certainly proved to be extremely popular.

Perhaps the most popular was last year when the US Airways Jazz Orchestra came to Bermuda and brought with them, famed vocalist, Ben E. King who had played in Bermuda in the 1960's and was still popular.'' Mr. Sherratt said it was estimated that there were at least 4,000 or 5,000 people in attendance for that one concert.

"We normally feature local performers and we invite people to come, relax, bring a picnic supper and chairs. We've never had any problems and they attract people from all walks of life -- visitors, Bermudians, young and old.

It's a tremendous atmosphere at all the concerts and probably the most successful cultural activity that the Corporation has ever undertaken. We really appreciate the commitment of the Bank of Butterfield.'' The free concerts are being sponsored once again, by the Bank of Butterfield.

The Bandstand at Victoria Park GOVERNMENT GVT 100 YEARS ANNIVERSARY ANN