Large crowds partied in the early hours to ring in National Heroes Day today.

Thousands of people packed out Bernard’s Park for the Cirque Du Soca J’Ouvert, one of the showpiece events from a long weekend of public activities.

The party, from 3am to 8am, was the beginning of a long day for some revellers, with the Parade of Bands due to kick off at Southside, St David’s, at 10am.

Music, dancing and spectacular carnival outfits will form the entertainment in the East End, beginning with a parade from Clearwater Beach to Number One Gate.

Oppostion leader Jeanne Atherden issued a statement wishing people a happy National Heroes Day.

She said: “Whilst we are watching or taking part in the Parade of Bands in St David’s or while we are just enjoying some time off to relax or to be with our families, it is important to reflect.

“We should reflect on the progress that our country has made, the individuals who have helped us to get to where we are and therefore who our heroes include.

“National Heroes Day is, to me, about celebrating our National Heroes as well as those individuals who continuously make a difference in our lives, who silently make sacrifices in order to help others and who go the extra mile time and time again.

“These are people who have no expectation of praise or recognition and are there to support and assist others, come rain or shine.

“I am asking you therefore, as part of your celebration on National Heroes Day, to acknowledge and reach out to those persons who are your heroes.

“We are here today, because of all of the heroes who have gone before and who are also around us now.

“Today I salute all of Bermuda’s heroes.”

For more details, visit bermudaheroesweekend.com