Governor George Fergusson led the plaudits for the Bermuda Regiment’s Trooping the Colours ceremony that attracted thousands of people of all ages to the National Stadium.

The unique ceremony, which involved more than 200 soldiers as well as a contingent from the Bermuda Police Service, formed part of the Queen’s Birthday Parade on Saturday.

“This was a great display. I congratulate everyone who took part — it was very well done,” Mr Fergusson said.

“I hope that the troops — and the Police Reserve, who also played an important part — enjoyed it enough to forget last week’s soaking.

“They should be proud of a really good parade.”

The Governor’s praise was echoed by Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Michael Foster-Brown.

“I was extremely proud of our troops,” he said. “The Regiment is largely part-time, but they staged a highly professional performance.

“I also like to congratulate Regimental Sergeant Major Gavin Rayner, who played a major role in the event, which will be his last Queen’s Birthday before he stands down.

“The ceremonial aspect is just one of the roles the Regiment fulfils for the Island, and it’s an important one.

“The spectacle of the Regiment and its band on parade is always hugely popular and we are glad so many people turned out to watch it and cheer our soldiers on.”

Premier Michael Dunkley and Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva joined Mr Fergusson for the dazzling display that included a 21-gun salute and a feu de joie firing of rifles. Stephen Smith, from Hamilton Parish, attended with his young family and said: “It was the first time for me and it was spectacular.”

Proud mom Andrea Lopes, also of Hamilton Parish, watched on as her son Private Tyler Lopes took part.

She said: “It was excellent. It made me feel very proud. We should capitalise on our tradition — we don’t want it to fall by the wayside.

“It’s important to keep that tradition — it’s part of our heritage.”

The Trooping the Colours is a rare event and was last carried out in 2010, when new colours were presented to the Island’s defence force.

The event has its origins from when regiments had to show troops the colours so they knew where to rally in times of battle.

Former Sergeant Major Alfred Furbert, 56, who spent 30 years in the Regiment, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the parade. They performed very well. I remember doing Trooping the Colours for the 25th anniversary — it’s basically the same format, but it’s always good to see the tradition lives on.”

Shalimar Williams, from Devonshire, said: “I love to see the Regiment — my dad served in the Regiment and I love to see the band perform.”