interested in experiencing as much as they can of all the Island has to offer.

Held Tuesday and Wednesday nights, in St. George's and the City of Hamilton respectively, the mid-week carnivals are popular with locals and tourists alike. But although both offer a cultural melange -- of foods, crafts and entertainment -- and share the same festive atmosphere, each festival is completely different in its lure. While Hamilton draws crowds as a community street fair, it is the historic charm of old St. George that prevails at the Eastern End. Organised by the Chamber of Commerce, the festival is known as Harbour Nights in Hamilton. There, the collective efforts of merchants along Front Street have made it a success, keeping their doors open to 9 p.m. Many of the Island's artists and musicians participate also, while the many food stalls scattered amid them add to the effect. In St. George's, where the Town's Corporation and the Bermuda National Trust have helped see the event to fruition, the festival operates under the name of Heritage Nights. Here, the unique, historically-themed night was designed as part of the community's `Bringing History to Life' heritage plan. The result is an authentic `Williamsburg-like' experience, bringing four centuries to life through the unification of all quarters of the Old Town in period music and costumes, re-enactments, walking tours and historic readings. According to Rhonda Joy of the Chamber of Commerce. "Bermuda Harbour Nights is now in its 5th year,'' she said. "Late night shoppers, crafters, local entertainers and visitors look forward to the Chamber's Harbour Nights. Harbour Nights recreates the spirit of friendship between locals and visitors therefore encouraging the awareness of, and an appreciation for, Bermuda's hospitality industry.'' Heritage Nights allow both Bermudians and visitors to take maximum advantage of the attractions the Town has to offer. Said Mrs. Joy: "Dressed in full period attire, the Town Crier (is) the host of an exciting and well-synchronised evening of historically-themed activities. The Mayor of St.

George's, along with tour guides, shopkeepers, vendors, and historic play actors, are outfitted in period costumes and mingle with the crowds. Vendors in period dress, sell quality goods; piped music featuring sea shanties and old maritime songs fill the streets with sound.'' The festivals begin at 6 p.m. PHOTO Harbour Nights on Front Street in Hamilton