The fun has begun for one of Bermuda’s most popular holiday weekends.

Hundreds of people gathered on the sand and water at Shelly Bay for the Bermuda Heroes Weekend Raft Up this afternoon.

A steady stream of beachgoers and more than a dozen boats were still arriving as of 1pm to enjoy the music and the emerging sun.

Tashi Smith said: “I was a bit worried with all the rain last night but the sun is coming out, its getting brighter.

“I love the whole Heroes Weekend atmosphere. It’s great seeing everyone come out and celebrate.”

Joseph Andrews added: “The music is great, folks are starting to dance. This is what Bermuda is about.”

Island and international DJs are scheduled to provide entertainment at Shelly Bay from noon to 6pm.

The party will continue tomorrow with the Pan in the Park, a range of steel pan drum performers, on stage at Victoria Park in Hamilton between 3pm and 7pm.

The Cirque Du Soca J’Ouvert will ring in National Heroes Day on Monday and bring music to Bernard’s Park in Pembroke from 3am to 8am.

The weekend will climax with the Parade of Bands, which will feature music, dancing and spectacular carnival outfits at Southside, St David’s, on Monday.

The parade is set to kick off at Clearwater Beach at 10am with revellers dancing their way to Number One Gate.

Masqueraders will set out again at 2pm, returning to Clearwater Beach along Southside Road.

For the full schedule, visit bermudaheroesweekend.com