Young and old rallied together last night for an evening of fun, music and entertainment on Court Street.

While residents enjoyed the community atmosphere, organisers of the UpTown Saturday Nights events were pleased with the turnout and hopeful that the event would grow in the future.

“I’m glad to see that people brought their children out,” Antoine Raynor, of the UpTown Cultural Committee, told The Royal Gazette. “We’re definitely pleased with the diversity.

“We got rained out on Saturday night and this was the rain date. We realise that the weather affected the turnout, even today.”

According to Mr Raynor, the UpTown Moonlight Movies Series, as part of UpTown Saturday Nights, was the “taster event” for what is to come.

“It’s part of a series of events meant to help revitalise the area,” he explained. “We will be doing it all again next week.”

UpTown Saturday Nights is organised by The UpTown Cultural Committee in partnership with the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and other community groups. Resident and City of Hamilton councillor for the area, RoseAnn Edwards, said “it’s an initiative that has to happen”.

“I’m just glad to see it taking place,” she said, adding that she hopes the community will come out and support these events.

Abigail Iris, who also lives in the area, said it is exactly this type of event that the island and community needs.

“It’s awesome. Let me tell you what’s really missing in Bermuda is music like this. This is healthy, this is something the children come to. We need to be doing this every month of the year.”

But she also emphasised the need to engage the community, adding: “Music is important and the community is important in the same way.”

BEDC executive director Erica Smith said the evening was about trying to bring positive, quality events to this area, “which has been overlooked for quite some time”.

She acknowledged the challenges the area has had in the past but added that it is important to bring people back to the area in order to address those challenges.

“Our thing is bringing people to the area and positive vibes,” she said. “It’s all one city, it’s all one Bermuda.

“Right now it’s seen as separate. Our goal is to see as much integration and unity and peace in the community as possible.

She added: “This is not easy work — it’s humbling work. You have to remain committed. We, the BEDC, are committed to seeing change in this area.”

She said they hope to achieve change by using the likes of street festivals, music and entertainment as tools for economic development.

Ms Smith estimated that about 150 people had turned up in the run-up to the Ice Age: Collision Course film screening, which was scheduled for 8.30pm.

“It’s good,” she said of the turnout, also noting the rainout on Saturday.

But she emphasised that sustainability is key, adding that if the event continues to grow it could become an alternative to Harbour Nights for locals and visitors alike.

Those who attended the event were treated to a performance by Place’s Gombey Troupe before a preview karaoke session to get people excited for next week’s competition, which kicks off on Saturday. It will be the first of the qualifying rounds, with the next set to take place on November 5 and 19, and December 3. The final round will be held on December 17. All of the events will be held on Court Street between Dundonald Street and Ewing Street from 7pm to midnight.

An UpTown Christmas Celebration and New Year’s Eve festivities are also planned.

• For more information, visit www.uptownbermuda.com