Hundreds of residents are expected to flock to St George’s this Friday for the annual Bermuda National Trust Walkabout which has become one of the island’s most popular pre-Christmas events.

Now in its 38th year, the Walkabout has proved a boon evening for St George’s merchants, many of whom regard it as the most profitable day of the year.

And this year the crowd could swell even more, as the Trust is introducing a ferry which will bring people from Albouy’s Point in Hamilton to St George’s, avoiding the traffic chaos and parking problems which motorists have previously endured.

“In recent years, as the popularity of the Walkabout has grown, we have had attendees spending too much time in traffic and looking for parking spaces,” said National Trust Development Director Kelly Way. “Traffic restrictions at the Longtail Bridge will exacerbate this.

“Therefore, with the co-operation of the Department of Marine and Ports, we are introducing a ferry from Hamilton to St. George’s,” she said. “The ferry will take a maximum of 350 people at 5.30pm from Hamilton to St. George’s and will leave St George’s after the fireworks at 9.15pm.

“In addition, the ferry will shuttle people from Marginal Wharf in St David’s to St George’s. In each case, a maximum of 350 tickets will be sold in advance and only people with tickets will be able to board the ferry.”

Musicians, dancers and carolers will entertain the crowd and children can meet Santa and make Christmas crafts at the Edith Clair Spencer Hall.

“We invite everyone to head east to explore some of the oldest continually occupied buildings in the New World which will be decorated and candlelit for the event,” added a Trust spokesperson.

“Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Tucker House, Reeve Court and the Globe Hotel will be festively decorated with each offering its own yesteryear experience.

“One of the Samaritans’ Cottages will also be open for the first time in decades following a careful restoration.

“The Bermuda National Trust could not hold this event without a huge amount of community support, our Trust volunteers and our generous sponsor, Butterfield Bank. This year marks our 10th anniversary with Butterfield as our sponsor and we are celebrating with a fireworks display at 9pm.”

• Parking — Tiger Bay/Penno’s Wharf, St. George’s Prep and St George’s Club Golf Course

Ferry schedule and pricing

Leaves Hamilton Ferry terminal at 5.30pm and returns leaving St George’s at 9.15pm

Adult Hamilton to St. George’s return $10

Child Hamilton to St. George’s return $5

Shuttles from Marginal Wharf to Penno’s Wharf

Depart every half-hour starting at 6.45pm

Last shuttle back to Marginal Wharf 8.45pm

Adult Shuttle Marginal Wharf to Penno’s Wharf $4

Child Shuttle Marginal Wharf to Penno’s Wharf $2

Check www.bnt.bm to buy tickets. Availability is limited.

EVENING HIGHLIGHTS

6.00–6.30pm Christ Church Bell Choir

6.40 – 7.00 Clearwater Middle School Choir and Strings

6.35 – 7.05pm Their Majesties Choristers

7.10pm – Chas Arnold Recorder Group

King’s Square

Master of Ceremonies, Town Crier David Frith

6.00 – 6.35pm Bermuda School of Music

7.00 – 7.30pm DanceSations

7.30 – 8.00pm In Motion School of Dance

8.00 – 8.30pm Jackson School of Performing Arts

8.30pm Band & Corps of Drum of the Bermuda Regiment & the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band

The Globe Hotel (built in 1699) and Trustworthy Gift Shop

BHS Choir

John Cox signing his books

Ebenezer Church Leviticus Band

Cello Ensemble 6.00 – 6.45pm

Adult String Ensemble 6.45 –7.15pm

Fireworks: 9pm