Queen's Birthday Parade on Front Street yesterday, and were rewarded when rain clouds decided to keep a respectful distance.

The hazy sunshine allowed the Governor, Sir Desmond Langley, to arrive in his ceremonial landau for what was his final parade before leaving his post in six weeks' time.

The highlight for the crowd was the gun salute, which sent pigeons wheeling around the buildings of Hamilton.

Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Forster, of Pembroke, was one of a host of beaming parents watching their smartly-uniformed sons and daughters march past. Mrs.

Dyer-Forster said she was very proud of son Andrew, 20, an officer cadet in the Bermuda Regiment. "Last year he was at the back of the line, but this year he's in the front,'' she said.

The traditional pomp and ceremony also thrilled visitors to the Island. "This is wonderful,'' said Mrs. Sally Kingsley, of Washington, D.C. "It's really fun.'' VIPs on the dais included Lennet (Lennie) Edwards, and Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan.

FIRE! -- Bermuda Regiment soldiers demonstrate the feu de joie at yesterday's Queen's Birthday Parade.

LAST TIME -- Govenor Sir Desmond Langley salutes the Bermuda Regiment's colours.