majorettes are being asked to keep moving so that the procession of floats is continuous.

The moves are part of Government's plans to revamp the festivities following a "post mortem'' of the 1992 parade.

They were announced yesterday by Community and Cultural Affairs Minister the Hon. Leonard Gibbons.

Mr. Gibbons, calling the parade "Bermuda's biggest spectator event'', said he wanted to ensure its continued success.

Other changes the Minister announced were an earlier starting time for the parade, curtailing the number of people allowed on float trucks and increasing the number of trash bins available along the route.

Most of the changes were made as a result of "numerous complaints'' from spectators, Mr. Gibbons said.

The biggest complaint was that extra-loud recorded music was drowning out live bands.

Initial attempts to rectify the problem were made with the Ministry asking groups using recorded music to reduce the volume. But they did not all comply, Mr. Gibbons said.

"Hence, the Ministry is requesting live music only for the 1993 parade,'' he said. "This should not only impact on the noise factor but should also provide an opportunity for musical groups to participate in the parade.'' Exceptions to the new rule include drum majorettes who need recorded music to perform their dance routines.

But they have been urged to use live bands if possible, Mr. Gibbons said.

Spectators also complained about the long time it took for the parade to pass through Hamilton.

In response, Mr. Gibbons said, the starting time has been changed from 3 p.m.

to 2 p.m., with the last float expected to arrive in Bernard Park at about 5 p.m.

"In the past, parades have extended beyond a four-hour period,'' he said.

"This gives rise to concern for the inconvenience caused by keeping streets along the parade route closed for an extra prolonged period. In addition, the unofficially extended day unnecessarily lengthens the duty period of parade marshals, members of the Bermuda Regiment, Police and other helpers ... The potential success has been marred several times by the avoidable long time it takes for the route to be covered.'' The Minister believed the drum majorettes, who stop to perform, were among the major culprits.

He said his Ministry hired overseas majorette leaders and conducted a series of workshops to instruct local groups on how to incorporate dance routines into their marching. In addition, drum majorettes are being invited to dance on Front Street before the start of the parade.

To ensure safety, the Ministry is asking that no more than 30 people be on a musical truck.

Steps have also been taken in response to complaints over the "massive amounts'' of trash left in the streets after the parade, he said.

Uniformed youngsters will be handing out trash bags and larger bins will be available.

Mr. Gibbons noted there should be no drinking of alcohol by anyone in the parade. Its theme for this year is "Hamilton: Our City and Her People'', in keeping with the capital city's 200th birthday celebrations.