celebrate 200 years of the Corporation.

The chimes will be heard on the morning of Sunday, June 27, starting a week-long party involving some of the top talent on the Island. And the Bicentennial Celebrations are expected to attract all ages.

Corporation Secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt said: "The festivities end on the following Sunday, July 4, which is, of course, a major US holiday. We are expecting a lot of visitors to the Island.

"We have tried to organise a series of events appealing to just about everybody in the community from young children to senior citizens. We are hoping they will attract both local residents and American visitors.

"We have also made sure that we showcase Bermudian talent. We have a lot of entertainers who do a terrific job.'' Events range from fairly quiet affairs to a closing Mega Musicfest on Front Street expected to be the biggest ever seen on the Island.

On Monday, The Royal Gazette will publish an editorial supplement marking the City's 200th birthday.

On the actual day of the Bicentenary, Tuesday June 29, an interdenominational church service will be held at noon, where thanks will be given for the prosperity of the past two centuries.

It will be followed by and official ceremony on City Hall steps attended by the Governor Lord Waddington, the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan and Mayor of Hamilton the Rt. Wor. Cecil Dismont.

Mr. Sherratt said that this event would see the winners of a school time-capsule competition chosen. All schools have made suggestions for the capsule which will be buried for 100 years. The winners will have an opportunity to show people at Hamilton's 300th Anniversary what life was like in 1993.

The gala ball that evening at City Hall will be the only event that guests will have to pay to enter.

Festivities start in earnest on the first Sunday afternoon with a parade of old and new vehicles through Hamilton and dinghy racing off Albuoy's Point. At 5 p.m. there will be a "sail past'' involving a flotilla of dinghies and yachts led by the pilot boat which will provide a spectacular water spray show.

The first evening will end with a Calypso Concert, sponsored by the Bank of Butterfield on Front Street. It will involve singers, steel bands, limbo dancers and the Gombeys.

Each day during the week there will be a lunchtime concert featuring young musicians.

Wednesday sees a special Bicentennial Retreat involving the Band and Drums of the Bermuda Regiment with the Mayor taking the Salute.

On Thursday evening Government House will host "The Crown and The City'', an outside dinner evening with classical music.

Senior citizens will be treated to tea and a concert in Number One Shed on Friday, July 2. In the evening BMDS and the Pembroke Players Quartet will provide an open air play in Victoria Park.

On Saturday the Chamber of Commerce has organised a 1793 Day Street Festival on Front Street with a number of events ending in a parade to Court Street.

On Court Street, there will be a "Throwdown Concert'' for young people with rap, reggae and R&B.

Mr. Sherratt said Sunday's Bank of Bermuda Mega Musicfest will feature the best array of first class talent ever assembled in one place in Bermuda. At the same time there will be a Bank of Bermuda Kid's Playground in Number One Shed.

The entire Bicentennial Celebrations will end with a bang during a fireworks display.