Light-up novelties, glowing cotton candy and a fire show brought a touch of magic to yesterday’s Harbour Nights.

The first instalment of October Lights, which also featured Gombeys, music and lights on almost every stall, proved a hit among visitors, locals and vendors alike.

Jodi Gibbons, of Devonshire, brought her son and niece to the event on Front Street.

“It adds a bit more magic. It makes things upbeat — it’s nice for the tourists,” she said.

Ms Gibbons added that October Lights was a good idea but that she would have liked to have seen a few more vendors.

Melinda DeCosta, from Hamilton Parish, said: “I think it’s a great idea — good for locals and tourists. It gets the kids out. It’s a good family event.”

Commenting on the small crowds at the beginning of the event, she added that “maybe it hasn’t quite caught on yet”.

Bob Erdman, who is visiting the Island from Pennsylvania with friends, said he liked the atmosphere.

“We’ve been here before when there wasn’t really anything in Hamilton during the evening,” said Mr Erdman, who is visiting the Island for a fifth time on board the ‘Norwegian Breakaway’.

Mr Erdman, who was showing friends around Bermuda, said he went online, found out that Harbour Nights had been extended and made special plans to attend October Lights.

According to Tricia Walters, of Pembroke, the event featured a great vibe and atmosphere.

“It’s a great layout and lots of vendors — it looks like more than Harbour Nights,” she said. “I’d like to see more crafts. There are quite a few but I’d like to see more.”

Iris Fuchs, who is visiting from New York, added: “It’s very beautiful — I love the lighting.”

Annette Hutchinson, from Hertfordshire in England, said October Lights was “absolutely brilliant”.

Ms Hutchinson, who worked at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital 40 years ago, said she wished there had been something like it when she lived on the Island.

Town crier Ed Christopher said the event went okay for a first run but more publicity was needed.

However, junior town crier Dequan Trott, who has been showcasing his skills at Harbour Nights, said he thoroughly enjoyed the event.

October Lights also featured a fire show put on by Rockfire Productions, with artists showcasing their skills to the largest crowd of the evening.

Vendor Malisa Swan, of the Bermuda Cupcake Company, yesterday launched her new Glo Cones line, featuring light-up cotton candy and flashing buckets for popcorn and cotton candy.

“I used to do light-up novelties and toys at events,” Ms Swan said. “I was looking for something light-up to do with food and came across an FDA-approved [United States Food and Drug Administration] light-up cotton candy stick.

“I thought I’d give it a try in Bermuda. We created it for October Lights after they said they were creating a magical, fun event.”

Ashley Stephens, of Ashley’s Lemonade, said October Lights was a great idea but was geared more towards tourists because a lot of children were back in school.

The young entrepreneur, whose business is a regular feature at Harbour Nights, remained positive despite a slow start to the event.

Another new instalment featured brightly lit helicopters that launched into the air with rubber bands, alongside a variety of light-up novelties for children and adults.

“October Lights is a new way of doing Harbour Nights,” said co-owner of Light up the Nights, Aneka Burrows. “We’re doing very well so far.”

According to the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, the event was designed to add a touch of magic to Harbour Nights this autumn.

Kendaree Burgess, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, previously stated that the streets of Hamilton traditionally go quiet after September.

“October Lights is a way to re-energise the city and provide additional entertainment for visitors and locals alike,” she said.

October Lights will feature light-related activities every Wednesday night on Front Street this month from 7pm to 10pm.