This year’s Christmas Boat Parade is to be organised by the City of Hamilton.

Ed Benevides, the City’s chief operating officer, said the Corporation was “delighted” to take the reins.

He added: “This is one of the most highly anticipated social events in Bermuda, held at such a festive time of year.

“The city worked with the charity to ensure that we could handle the requirements and deliver a first-rate event for our local community and visitors with the continued support of the event sponsors.”

The parade had been a biennial labour of love for the business community, and the 2015 event drew a crowd of thousands.

It will remain under the Bermuda Boat Parade Charity, but the City has taken over its organisation and execution.

Ian Coles, spokesman for the charity, thanked the City for stepping in.

He said: “Since the first parade almost 20 years ago, it has been the same small group who put on this magical event and we felt it important for the longevity of the parade that a well-established organisation such as the City of Hamilton should take it over in order to guarantee the parade will be around for many, many years to come.”

Mr Coles added: “We also welcome the new ideas that the City has to grow the event.

“It’s a huge benefit to the boat parade participants, spectators and the community as a whole to have the highly professional, full-time team at City Hall behind the event and we know the Christmas Boat Parade is going to prosper under this new leadership.

“We will be working alongside the City this year to share our experience and to ensure a smooth handover and we remain involved in the Bermuda Boat Parade Charity.”

All entrants will be eligible for a prize.

The festive show in the harbour will be held on Saturday, December 9, with the deadline for entries set for November 15.

Entry forms can be collected from the City Hall offices, or downloaded from the City’s website under the Explore Hamilton Event Calendar tab.

Anyone interested in taking part can also e-mail the City on info@cityhall.bm to request an electronic copy of the entry form, or for further information.