The Bermuda National Trust's annual Christmas Walkabout in St. George's will take place this Friday from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m.

A packed evening of seasonal entertainment has been planned for National Trust properties Tucker House and Globe Hotel as well as King's Square, St. Peter's Church, the State House, and St. George's Historical Society.

Highlights include historical readings, musical performances and school choirs.

This year, William Zuill, Leo Mills and Connie Dey will be in King's Square narrating the story of James Darrell, the first black Bermudian documented to own property in St. George's.

"Jemmy'' Darrell came to own Hermits Cottage in 1795 after his freedom was granted following his skillful service as a pilot.

Today the area in front of this Taylor's Alley home is known as "Jemmy Darrell Square.'' In addition, the entertainment programme will include performances by the Bermuda Chamber Choir, the St. George's Preparatory School Singers, Francis Patton School Choir and the East End Primary School Choir, organist Karol Sue Reddington with soprano Janet Budden, Freda's Costumed Carollers, the Salvation Army Band, the Southampton Inspirational Choir, and much more.

The Junior Town Criers will be featured along with the popular ducking re-enactment with E. Michael Jones and Alison Outerbridge.

Trust properties will be decorated for Christmas by teams from the garden Club of Bermuda, the Friendship Garden Club and the Hibiscus Garden Club.

The St. George's Historical Society and Print Shop will be open and the Menhuin Foundation String Quartet, who are performing at the State House are not to be missed.

The National Trust Archeology Committee will welcome visitors to the new archaeology lab at Revee Court with refreshments and interesting information.

The St. George's Foundation will be at the Carriage House Museum, and the Bermuda Heritage Museum at Samaritan's Lodge will be open for the evening.

Those wanting a bit of exercise to prepare for the festive season will enjoy the walk up to the Unfinished Church which will be lit up to show its architectural finery.

Parking for this event is free and will be at the usual locations, Tiger Bay and Penno's Wharf.

Pick up a map and guide to the evening's activities in the Members Refreshment Tent in the Bank of Bermuda parking lot on Water Street.

A team of volunteers will be serving food and festive punch, and members are reminded to bring their membership card.

Non-members are welcome to attend and may join the trust while there and fees are $20 individual, $35 family and $5 for students.