poured onto the streets of Hamilton to soak up the carnival atmosphere of Bermuda Day.

The city burst into a mass of colour and music for The Heritage Day Parade, this year called The Spirit of Bermuda 2000, which saw senior citizens and babies alike entertaining the crowds.

Along the route, people reclined in deck chairs and ate lunch from picnic boxes, eager to clap and cheer the hundreds of people taking part in the procession as it snaked its way around the streets.

Holidaymakers joined the locals in basking in the hot sunshine as party fever swept over the Island for the May 24 celebrations, which officially saw the start of summer.

Leading the parade was the Bermuda Regiment Band, followed by parade marshals Elspeth Gibson and Gene Steede.

And behind them was an array of colour, entertainment and sounds, created by an enormous mix of cultures, creeds and tastes.

Among the procession were several troupes of the ever popular Gombeys, several marching bands, schools, antique cars and dancers.

But star of the procession had to be sweet 18-month-old Daija Francis, who stole the hearts of spectators as she marched, baton in hand and knees raised, with the Warwick United Majorettes and Drum Corp.

Photo special, Page 4 Bda in the spirit! Dressed in a matching silver skirt, but with cerise feathers in her hair, she followed her troupe on to the stage in Bernard Park and kicked her legs with the best of them for the finale of their act.

Also stealing the show was eight-month-old Antoinae Samuels-Saltus, who, dressed in a white and green satin dress, accompanied her mother Itoni Lambert on the procession.

Ms Lambert had joined her old friends at the Elite Majorette Troup, who had come out of retirement to re-form especially for the May 24 celebrations.

They followed the current members of the Elite majorettes into Bermard Park, where they received a standing ovation for their hard work and sense of humour.

The oldest member of the troupe was Glenda Bean, at 57, from Sandys.

She said: "We have had so much fun today -- we are going to continue with the group.

"A couple of girls asked us if we wanted to bring back the old majorettes. We had replica costumes made and practised for today.

"We wanted to show the young majorettes how to really kick their legs and smile at the crowds.

"But we have had so much fun, we may continue and be back next year.'' Schools played their parts, too, with Southampton Glebe School winning best primary school and most beautiful entry with their impressive lobster float.

A spokeswoman for the school said parents, teachers and pupils had made the display using natural materials over a number of weeks.

Dellwood Middle School won best middle school entry with their float depicting a map of Bermuda and showing its development over the years.

And Cedarbridge Academy, with its Codfish and Potato themed float, won best secondary school award and most original entry.

St. George's Community Centre won best overall entry in the parade for its float based around a football cup match.

Best Equestrian entry went to Goslings -- The Origin of the Black Seal, and best commercial entry was Elbow Beach Hotel.

Among the parade for the 17th time was Health minister Nelson Bascome.

Yesterday's procession through Hamilton was the Minister's swan song, as he has decided to retire after leading Pembroke Community Club Drum Corp through the parade since 1984.

Mr. Bascombe said: "I have had a lot of fun over the years, but now I just don't have the time to dedicate to it anymore. "I will definitely miss it, though. I would encourage people to get involved, adults and children, especially male adults. It's very rewarding.

"Next year, I will just be watching. Although, if the guys twist my arm, I may be back.'' Dennis Lister, Minister of Youth and Sport, officially opened the parade yesterday, instead of the Premier, as in other years.

He said Premier Jennifer Smith had chosen not to launch the procession because she wanted to keep it as informal and family-orientated as possible.

He said: "It is wonderful to see such a mix of people here enjoying the day with us. That is what Bermuda Day is all about.

"Children are involved, adults and grandparents are involved. It is a great family day.

"The May 24 celebrations have evolved since the early 1900s, but the basic theme is the same. It's about raising awareness of our heritage and everybody coming together. It's a great day.''