The annual Bermuda Christmas Boat Parade has been cancelled this year due to lack of participation.

Stating that the loyal boat owners who take part in the longstanding tradition need "a break", the Boat Parade Committee is hoping to drum up support and participation that has waned in recent years in time for the 400th anniversary celebrations in 2009.

"It has become apparent over the last few years that encouraging participants to enter the parade has become more difficult," said Steve Thomson, Boat Parade Committee member in a press release.

"During consultation with boat owners and participants, it is clear that the 'loyal majority' who have entered year-after-year need a break.

"To that end, the committee has made the difficult decision to take 2008 has a rest year for the participants with the hope that Bermuda, its business community and private boat owners will support the event by entering a boat in the island's 400th anniversary year, 2009."

Mr. Thomson and the Boat Parade Committee is asking the public to commit to saving the popular event by entering a boat in the parade, having a company enter a corporate boat, renting a boat and entering as a group or sponsoring a group to enter.

"There are many ways to support the Boat Parade," he said.

"The committee encourages Bermuda not to allow this event to go the way of so many of Bermuda's old time traditions."