Despite temperatures dipping into the 50s, thousands of revellers gathered in St. George's Square to bring in 2003 on Tuesday night.

And although the evening got off to a slow start, the square was packed to capacity by the time town mayor Henry Hayward counted down the final seconds of the old year and the St. George's onion was dropped.

Organisers claimed the event a great success, saying that the entertainment was well received and that the crowds were well-behaved.

Apart from a few minor incidents which were quickly dispersed by the Police, the night was relatively peaceful, although some older party-goers did complain about the large numbers of teens and young children roaming around, seemingly unattended.

"Although it was cold, it was still a beautiful night - I was very pleased," said Jonathan Trott of Spanish Town International, which laid on the party.

"I estimate we had between 6,500 and 7,000 people, which is what we were expecting.

"The crowds did come out a little late. I reckon by about 8.30 p.m. we had 1,000 people and then by ten it was bang! - everyone seemed to come at once. Suddenly there was this huge mass.

"It was a nice night and the atmosphere seemed to be a lot more peaceful than in previous years.

"People were pleased because we had something different this year. We had more entertainment than last year. I was really happy to see the performers out there and they were very well received and the fireworks display was really wonderful."

While several party-goes said they traditionally travelled East to celebrate the New Year, 19-year-old student Camille Masters said she drove to St. George's because it was an economical way to party.

It's cheaper and I can mingle with my friends for free," she said.

One Pembroke woman who declined to give her name said it was the first time she had gone to St. George's to celebrate.

"I heard it's nice and that the entertainment was going to be better this year, so I thought it would be a nice way to bring in the year with my son," she said.

"Lenny", who drove from Paget, said he is usually brings in the New Year clubbing, but this year decided to celebrate in a different manner.

"I'm in the dog house so I came with my sweetheart to start the year off right," he said.

Dozens of children enjoyed the activities provided by TKO Fun Adventures, which included a fun castle and the Chuckie the Chuckle train ride.

"Tonight has been a fun night," said driver Aaron Foggo. "The weather has not stopped people from getting on."

And as she waited for her friend's son to finish his train ride, Becky Paris, wife of solo sailor Alan, told The Royal Gazette that although her husband was thousands of miles away in the Indian Ocean, they were still able to spend part of the New Year together - albeit by phone.

"He called to say Happy New Year. Since he's about 12 hours ahead of us, it was already 2003 for him," she said.