Thousands of people enjoyed the good weather and flocked to the first Harbour Night of the year last night.

Appearing on the main stage at the flagpole were Nhoj Steede, the Hot Dancers, the Exclusive Dance Crew, Erica Martin, the In Motion Dancers, Stephanie Pacheco, Francine Rawlins, the Saltus Jazz Band, and of course the J&H Gombeys.

Passengers aboard the cruise ships Horizon and Nordic Empress had front row seats to the festivities, but many opted to enjoy the night onshore sampling local foods, arts and crafts.

Visitors "Jim'' and "Sandy'' from Boston said of the evening: "It is very interesting. Our friends were here last year and they told us we couldn't miss Harbour Nights on Wednesday nights, and so far we haven't been disappointed.'' A New York couple cruising on the Horizon said: "It is all very quaint. We are used to street parades and fairs with hundreds of thousands of people, so this feels very nice and friendly, small town fairs have so much more character.'' New for this year are food courts at the outside area of number one car park, but there were still many concession stands from Parliament Street to Queen Street selling everything from curry to pizza to cotton candy.

Also new was a children's area located in number five car park, opposite the Bank of Butterfeild, where tots could bounce to their hearts desire on fun castles.

AS Cooper attracted a large crowd as live models posed in the display window, luring shoppers inside to buy the latest summer apparel.

Many stalls selling art, jewellery, and locally made crafts such as cedar work attracted visitors looking for a special souvenir, and locals in search of some spontaneous retail therapy.

Harbour Nights is organised by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce and will run every Wednesday night until October.