Thousands turned out for the annual Christmas parade in Hamilton last night its stars were perhaps the children who stood eagerly awaiting sight of Santa Claus and his holiday cheer.

For three-year-old Jahvontae Trott, the sight of the jolly, big man with the presents was something not to be missed. "I want to see the Santa Claus because I like Santa Claus," he said.

Tony Hay and his two sons Conor, 7, and Alex, 4, saw the parade as a great way to start the Christmas season.

Mr. Hay told The Royal Gazette: "I came so my children could see Santa, but mainly for my younger son who keeps talking about Santa continuously. He is very excited."

But there was much on show before the Santa's arrival. Majorettes, Gombeys, beauty queens including Miss Big and Beautiful and Little Miss Paradise passed through the streets of Hamilton.

There were also floats paying tribute to the late pop star Michael Jackson, while others played Christmas music classics like 'Joy to the World'.

Davida Cann who brought children Sharri, 14, and Shayla, 4, to the parade, said: "It's really nice for the kids to see. I've actually watched it grow. Every year it gets better and better, at least that's my opinion."

She added: "You definitely know Christmas is almost here when you see the Santa Claus parade."

Some like Sahrae Robinson, 12, came out to support the participants. Her uncle rode with one of the motorcycle groups on display.

"I like to see everyone supporting Christmas and all those charities and stuff," she said.

Eleven-year-old Warwick Academy student De'Meah Iris described the event as "a Bermuda tradition".