St George’s will come alive tomorrow night with the Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout. Thousands of people are expected to attend the increasingly popular event which is now in its 39th year and considered the most profitable day of the year for East End businesses.

The Trust has organised a ferry to bring participants from Albuoy’s Point in Hamilton to St George’s so they can enjoy the Walkabout without spending time in traffic.

Musicians, dancers and carolers will entertain the crowds and refreshments will be available throughout the Olde Towne and marked on a map that will be distributed on the evening. Children can meet Santa and make Christmas crafts at the Edith Clair Spencer Hall.

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

A new feature this year will be the opening of Smith’s Garden on Barber’s Alley by the Garden Club of Bermuda.

Many St George’s shops, churches and other museums will also be open on the night.

The ferry will take a maximum of 350 people at 5pm from Hamilton to St George’s and will leave St George’s at 9pm.

It will also 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.

The last shuttle will leave St George’s for Marginal Wharf at 8.15pm.

Development director Kelly Way said: “After the success of the ferry last year, we are pleased to be able to offer this service again.

“The ferry passengers reported that they had a wonderful voyage to and from St George’s but it also reduced traffic congestion.

“Therefore, with the co-operation of the Department of Marine and Ports, we are again offering the ferry from Hamilton to St George’s.”

Sean Lee, executive vice-president and head of retail banking at Butterfield, which is sponsoring the event, said: “Butterfield started in St George’s more than 200 years ago and we’ve had a banking hall in the Olde Towne for more than 75 years, so supporting the Bermuda National Trust’s Annual Walkabout is a natural fit for us.

“We encourage everyone to visit our historic Banking Centre and indulge in mulled wine, chocolate truffles and popcorn.”

The National Trust’s members area will be located on the ground floor of the National Trust Museum at the Globe Hotel. As a special offer, non-members of the Trust can join for 50 per cent on the night.

Parking is available at Tiger Bay and Hunter’s Wharf, St George’s Prep and St George’s Club Golf Course.

Ferry schedule and pricing:

Leaves Hamilton ferry terminal at 5pm and returns leaving St George’s at 9pm

Adult Hamilton to St George’s return $15

Child Hamilton to St George’s return $10

Shuttles from Marginal Wharf to Hunter’s Wharf at 6.30pm and 7pm

Last shuttle back to Marginal Wharf 8.45pm

Shuttle from Marginal Wharf to Hunter’s Wharf $5

Visit www.bnt.bm to buy tickets.