success, and are considering making it an annual event.

After attracting an estimated crowd of between 5,000 and 7,000 people, the Flatts Festival Committee will meet today to discuss the event and how to improve it.

Co-chairman W.A. (Toppy) Cowen said the committee were at a loss how to explain the throngs of people with very little publicity.

He said only four advertisements were placed in local newspapers and there were no radio and television ads.

But he thanked the print media and radio talk show hosts who gathered history of the Village and helped promote the event.

Mr. Cowen added: "The spirit of community, of camaraderie and friendship certainly gives our committee hope for the future. The Flatts Village experience on Saturday reminded everyone what is missing. What an event!'' "Historic sites such as Flatts Village have been allowed to deteriorate,'' he said. "And it is no wonder that restoration supporters have been begging for improvements.'' He said organisers expected between 500 and 1,000 people and were caught wrong footed throughout the afternoon, particularly with caterers and food vendors being swamped.

"You could look from St. James' Court to Palmetto Bay and it was a sea of people,'' Mr. Cowen said. "It was an unbelievable scene. The atmosphere was incredible. Everyone was asking if we will hold another one.'' He added that in his view there was no reason not to hold the festival again -- but with refinements in parking and eating arrangements. The Festival featured dozens of exhibits, arts and crafts, a karate display, children's activities, and antique cars and motorcycles on display.

The live entertainment included magicians, jazz bands, steel drums, a church choir, street buskers, line dancing, the Bermuda Regiment Band, and a Gombey troupe.

The committee were assisted by more than 50 volunteers and had the support of Flatts businesses and residents, the Bermuda Aquarium and the Bermuda Zoological Society.