Thursday night than top football teams during a regular season game.

But its leader, Mr. Frederick Wade, and those successful and not so successful in the recent election, made it clear that they were not there to play.

Speaking to some 800 supporters at a highly-charged celebration titled "A New Beginning'', Mr. Wade said: "You have given us the opportunity now to start our march toward power in this country.

"Until October 5 we could only depend upon Hamilton Parish and Warwick parish to break through. But since then the Island is well open and we feel there is no constituency we can't win with dedication and hard work.'' Thanking everyone, from voters to campaign organisers, Mr. Wade said: "Without your support, your hard work, your votes, and your confidence in us, October 5 would not have been possible.'' But Mr. Wade, and other PLP candidates, stressed that 18 seats in the House of Assembly were not enough.

And in two-minute addresses, that often stretched beyond, candidates urged voters to do everything in their power to get rid of the UBP Government.

"There's a victory train that is on its way,'' said Mr. Eugene Cox, an MP of Sandys where the PLP again swept to victory. "I'm appealing to you now to get on board because there will be no pit stops because it is going on to a PLP Government.'' His running mate Mr. Dennis Lister said: "I am pleased to be here again and addressing you as a PLP MP. But next time I intend to address you at a post-election victory party. To do that we need you to make our branches as strong as they should be.'' His brother and new PLP senator Mr. Terry Lister said: "I'm extremely proud to be part of a PLP team that almost brought home the bacon. But this is the last time. We will never almost bring home anything again.

"This election showed you we're ready for a change and we have showed you we have the talent to run this country. All we're asking for is Mr. Swan to come back again (with an election call) and we will be ready.'' In styles ranging from lecturing to preaching, candidates from the west to the east end thanked God and voters and vowed to address their concerns and needs now and "when'' the PLP becomes the next Government.

"What you've seen is only a smatter of what the PLP has to offer in a Government,'' said Mr. Julian Hall who lost his seat, along with Mr. Eugene Blakeney, in Hamilton West.

But Mr. Hall, who was emcee for the night, stressed that his political career was not over.

"I'm going to be the energiser rabbit of Bermuda politics,'' he said.

"You're going to hear from me even more.'' The celebration was enhanced with an array of some of Bermuda's most talented entertainers.

Among those who performed were the teenage singing duo His and Hers, contemporary gospel group Destiny, Carol Ann Williams, reggae duo Soul Touch, and the reggae group Conscious.

Mr. Hall and Pembroke East MP Mr. Nelson Bascome also showed their musical ability by singing a few bars.

Mr. Bascome, stressing that the PLP was "tired of being teased by voters'', sang the beginning of Chaka Demus and Pliers' "Tease Me''.

And Mr. Hall wrapped up the night with Bob Marley's "Redemption Song''.

HOMEGROWN TALENT . . . as displayed by 17-year-old Kion Simmons at the PLP's "New Beginning'' celebration at PHC Stadium on Wednesday evening. Simmons and 16-year-old Sjoniece Fox performed as the singing duo His and Hers. They recently appeared at the Apollo Theatre in New York and have been invited back.