Harbour Nights will return to Hamilton next week – with Covid-19 precautions in place.

While members of the public will be able to walk Front Street freely and visit shops, SafeKey will be required for those who visit the food court area.

Kendaree Burgess, CEO of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have seen lots of concern from the public around how they will engage with Harbour Nights in keeping with current Covid-19 protocols and Safe Key.

“The Chamber understands the positive economic impact of Harbour Nights on vendors, restaurants and retail establishment in the city and made a concerted effort to make this happen in 2021.”

Ms Burgess said the rules, created with consultation from the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports, will not require SafeKey for participating shops, restaurants or businesses.

Mask wearing on the street will be recommended, but not required, and the public will be asked to stay 6ft apart when in line for products.

A limited number of masks will be available at the event through a donation by the Bermuda Red Cross.

The food court will be barricaded off with security on hand to check SafeKeys and collect contact tracing information for those who chose to go inside.

Personal care vendors – offering hair braiding, massages and body art, will be located at the eastern end of Front street and will also require a SafeKey.

Ms Burgess added that this year’s event series will be smaller than usual, but the Chamber hopes to see it grow over time.

“We recognise the impact a return to normal has on the collective psyche and we want to celebrate as the island continues along this journey,” she said.

“We are thankful to the help of our title sponsor Butterfield who graciously covered the cost of vending, making this event financially feasible for the vendors.

“Thank you also to the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the City of Hamilton for their long-term commitment to this event HSBC, Belco and the Ministry of Youth Culture and Sports.”