The sound of gun shots rang through the streets of Hamilton yesterday as a solemn reminder of the Queen's birthday.

Spectators lined Front Street and Burnaby Street to watch the annual Queen's Birthday parade and the pomp and circumstance of the traditional event.

The Bermuda Regiment and Regiment Band and Corps of Drums, the Bermuda Police Service and Reserves, the Bermuda Cadet Corp and the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps marched along Front Street to honour the Queen.

Local dignitaries including Premier Alex Scott flanked Sir John Vereker as he stood below the flagpole after being escorted by horse and carriage to oversee the procession and inspect the troops.

The 21-gun salute 'feu-de-joie', or "fire of joy" to the Queen and the three cheers to Her Majesty rounded out the traditional marching through the capital.

Those who attended, mainly tourists out to experience a piece of Bermuda, said they relished the tradition.

Robert Harris, from New Hampshire, said "absolutely" when asked if it was a good tradition to see in Bermuda. Bermudian Pearl Philip said: "As long as I'm in Bermuda, I come to the parade every year."

She explained that she had many family members who had been in the military either in Bermuda or the US and it was tradition.

California resident Rob Kligman and his friend Kari Moss thought the parade was exciting.

Mr. Kligman said: "It's nice to see tradition and to learn about another culture."

While New Jersey residents Phyllis Peantano and Laura Egan gave a resounding "wonderful" when asked about the parade.

Ms Egan said she loved the band, who played the national anthem, "God Save the Queen", during the symbolic arrival of the Queen.

While Ms Peantano said: "We're so lucky to be here on the Queen's Birthday, the parade was wonderful."

Like several spectators, young Jameco Richardson had to raise his hands over his ears during the feu-de-joie but the five-year-old added that he liked the marching.

His sister, 12-year-old Tamara Symons, added: "I thought it was all right. It was my first time but the gun shots were scary."