A rally in preparation for this week’s Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series is being launched today from the steps of City Hall.

Music, prizes and a gathering of vendors taking part in the event village will take place in Hamilton from 4pm to 4.30pm, with announcements to be given on the October 16 to 18 races.

The “prep rally” has been organised through a collaboration between the Corporation of Hamilton and the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA).

The World Series will put Bermuda on the world stage, with the sailing to show globally on NBC sports network. According to Charles Gosling, Mayor of Hamilton, the rally will inform residents of what is going on during the races and encourage the public to attend. Residents, including schoolchildren, are invited to come to tonight’s event, in which local performers from the America’s Cup Jam have also been asked to take part.