Multiculturalism will feature at the heart of the Island's 400th birthday celebrations.

The theme for 2009 is 'Celebrating Bermuda and Her People', which Government says will offer "a unique opportunity for Bermudians of all walks of life to come together".

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler outlined plans in the House of Assembly on Friday for the 400th Anniversary celebrations.

They include a modern interpretation of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', thought to be written around the wreck of the Sea Venture in 1609, plus extended musical and church celebrations over Cup Match.

Mr. Butler said: "The year 2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the Sea Venture saga and the beginning of continuous human history in Bermuda.

The year 2009 therefore affords a unique opportunity for Bermudians of all walks of life to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of our people."

The Minister said Premier Dr. Ewart Brown is to chair the steering committee responsible for co-ordinating the year-long celebrations.

A preliminary meeting last Sunday at BUEI attracted 77 people. Mr. Butler said: "There will be other meetings with members of the public to gain their interest and support; because we want all of our people to be a part of this momentous year — Bermuda 2009."

He said the celebrations will aim to "engender pride within and to unify and celebrate the various diverse cultures/ethnic groups of the Bermuda community by encouraging events and projects that will engage the whole country".

Events, activities and projects will also raise awareness of the Island's history, with a community Commemorative Wall of History and Heroes.

The committee has obtained charitable status and a logo to be used on all correspondence and souvenir products.

During the July anniversary month, Dr. Michael Gilkes is to present the theatrical production, 'Bermuda'.

There will also be a theatrical re-enactment of The Sea Venture Wreck and a tour of the wreck site itself aboard the Spirit of Bermuda. "We would like to invite descendants of the passengers on the Sea Venture to Bermuda to participate in this special event," said Mr. Butler.

The re-enactment of the wreck will be followed by the official Heritage Centre opening by the St. George's Foundation.

Other exhibits include a new Agricultural Museum, restoration of the Island's Historic Fortifications, and nine exhibits by the Bermuda Maritime Museum, including a Mural of the History of Bermuda by Graham Foster.

The Bermuda National Trust and Bermuda National Gallery will display historic artefacts, documents, objects and works of art, while the Island will collaborate with Williamsburg in Virginia, US, on archaeological exhibitions and lectures.

Special events also include the visiting Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009, the Bermuda Regiment's Military Tattoo, and a Birthday Gala concert featuring local talent in music and the arts, architecture, photography, crafts and shipbuilding.

Meanwhile on August 1, Emancipation Day, celebrations will involve bands, choirs, dancer, singers, poets and dramatists, with special church services held on August 2, Somers Day.

Other means of marking the 400th Anniversary include commemorative stamps, coins and bank notes, and a 45-second fanfare by Captain Dwight Robinson, Music Director of the Bermuda Regiment Band.