The Bermuda Day Parade will go back to its roots to celebrate its 40th anniversary tomorrow.

The route has been reversed so that it will start in Front Street, the same as the first parade in 1979.

Lovitta Foggo, the community affairs minister, said: “Last year, we received considerable feedback about the parade, which included concerns about the finish and in particular the steep Queen Street leg to the City Hall and lack of spectators.

“The ending was therefore was anticlimactic for the participants.”

Ms Foggo said 47 groups, including Gombeys, majorettes, floats, dance groups, marching bands and music trucks, would take part in the parade under the theme “Bermudian Excellence”.

Hosts providing entertainment and commentary in Hamilton include Nadanja Bailey, Patrina “Powergirl” Paynter, DJ Damon, Kristin White, DJ Rusty G, Tina Evans and Gavin Smith.

An after-parade concert will be held on Angle Street, where groups will arrange their own displays of floats and activities.

Ms Foggo said: “Bermuda Day is that time of year when we celebrate all that makes us unique.

“Our heritage, our culture and our pride as a people, these are the ties that bind us together.

“The public can be assured that much work has gone into co-ordinating this year’s Bermuda Day Parade and it is hoped that it will be an enjoyable experience for the thousands who plan on attending.”

• The parade will start at 1.30pm. Live coverage will be streamed on gov.bm and the Department of Communication’s Facebook page. To view the Bermuda Day Parade order, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”