The Tourism Department is to spend $250,000 locally on Millennium celebrations.

Festivities -- to take place Islandwide -- will be targeted at residents and overseas visitors.

The news was revealed at a Press conference yesterday by Tourism Minister David Allen. Also present were Mayor of Hamilton William Frith, Mayor of St.

George's Lois Perinchief and head of the West End Development Corporation (Wedco), George Smith.

Mr. Allen said there were plans to stretch celebrations through the winter months.

And pre-existing events would be "bumped up a notch'' to become part of the Millennium festivities.

He added his Ministry was counting on the long term benefits of the investment.

"We will be using the events as leverage for overall tourism marketing,'' said Mr. Allen. "Already we are making plans to bring in foreign media -- again, this is because we are looking at leveraging for the whole year.'' "Tour operators and travel agents will be encouraged to put together package deals for visitors, and we will be working with them.'' Millennium events unveiled "We are also looking into increased airlift to the Island, as we understand not many seats are available coming into Bermuda around that time. We will be looking at charters and at asking the regular carriers to increase service.'' "A parade, stilt walkers, fireworks and fashion show are just some of the events planned for the eve of the Millennium and New Year's Day.'' New Year's Eve parties at both ends of the Island would receive financial support from the Department of Tourism. Traditional celebrations in St.

George's would be enhanced, while in Dockyard Wedco would also play host to locals and visitors who decided to greet the New Year there.

Maintaining that St. George's had "led the way'' in New Year celebrations, Mr. Allen noted, "St. George's will hold events similar to those in previous years, but with an increased number of entertainers and an expanded fireworks show.

"The Corporation,'' he added, "plans to fly in a Bermudian entertainer who is currently on the international circuit.'' Mr. Smith, said that event planning was still under way at Dockyard. So far a Bermuda blues band, a completely Bermudian swing band, a laser show and fireworks were in the lineup.

Holding two large parties at both ends of the Island would cut down on traffic build ups, said Mr. Allen. "We don't want to create a bottle-neck situation in any one area.'' "We will dove tail with celebrations from the night before,'' said Mr. Frith.

A full day of activities and festivities to last into the night were slated for Hamilton.

Mr. Allen said Hamilton celebrations would be reserved for New Year's day in order not to compete with both Dockyard and St. George's.

"Plans are in place for an early evening parade of majorettes, marching bands and Gombeys who will lead the spectators from Front Street to City Hall.'' In the evening an all encompassing musical concert was to be the featured event. Mr. Allen said there were plans for a major concert next to City Hall, featuring a showcase of the "very best of local entertainment, some of whom are being flown in for the occasion''.

"A special show designed to feature the most popular music from each decade of the last century, complete with vocalists, choreography and stunning visual effects, are planned.'' "Children and families'' Mr. Allen added,"will receive special attention as the Corporation plans a special event for early in the evening along Front Street. Details are still being worked out.''