The Bermuda Heroes Weekend launch event is to be celebrated with performances by soca artist Ricardo Drue and a black-tie gala this year.

The weekend is due to be held on November 20 and 21 at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club in the Harbourview Ballroom and will feature costumes for 2016 including new bands, an announcement of Band of the Year 2015, and a performance by Ricardo Drue.

On the Friday there will be a presentation of costumes for each of the nine bands participating in Parade of Bands 2016.

They include returning bands Party People, Passion Bermuda, RealFrenz and Caribbean Massive as well as new bands Nova Mas Band International, Code Red, Intense, X-Plosiv and Band Addiction.

The costumes for Parade of Bands 2016 will be showcased by models and each band will also have a booth with information.

Ricardo Drue will perform his hits including “Vagabond” and “Professional”. DJs Barrie Hype and DJ Stephen will be joined by Titan VCD and DJ Coolie. Doors open at 8pm and the launch will start at 9pm sharp.

On the Saturday guests will be able to learn about Bermuda’s ties to the Caribbean and the history of Carnival. The black time gala is titled “Our Time — Celebrating Unity, Rhythm and Culture” and will feature historian Corey Butterfield as guest speaker for the evening.

The night will begin at 6pm with cocktails in the Trudeau Room featuring steel pan music. A four-course Caribbean inspired dinner will follow in the Harbourview Ballroom at 7pm. There will be music by DJs Barrie Hype, DJ Stephen and Titan VCD, along with additional entertainment.

The winner of Band of the Year will be announced at the gala and an after party will be held from 9pm to 1am once the gala has concluded.

President of BHW Jason Sukdeo said: “A lot of planning and preparation goes into BHW and we are thrilled to showcase what we have in store for 2016

“We encourage members of the public to attend the launch weekend to learn more about the bands, see the costumes, educate themselves on Bermuda’s links to the Caribbean and most importantly, to have fun.”

Tickets for the launch party on November 20 are $40 on www.ptix.bm. The black tie gala tickets are $150 per ticket. Guests can buy a combo ticket for $175 which includes admission into the launch party and the gala. Sponsor tables are available for $2,500 for a table of 10. These are available by e-mailing vbuckley@bermudaheroesweekend.com.

For more information, visit www.bermudaheroesweekend.com or visit the Facebook page.