Harbour Nights is officially back. Last night's traditional Front Street festival was the opening for the season.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler was among those to officially opened the annual street festival, which takes place every Wednesday night.

Mr. Butler thanked all those who worked to make the spectacle a success as well as the Corporation of Hamilton. The event's 7 p.m. kickoff saw a lower number of people compared to last year, according to spectators who spoke to this paper.

Around 7.30 p.m., one tourist was overheard quipping to his wife: "It doesn't look like things have started yet."

However, as time went on, a considerably larger crowd gathered.

Stands selling Bermuda arts and crafts as well as jewellery and souvenirs lined the streets to the delight of visitors to the Island, while many locals seemed to be enjoying samples of the delicious food and refreshments available.

Late yesterday afternoon, the Corporation of Hamilton issued a reminder to the public that the section along Front Street would be closed from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and parking in the designated area, banned. Also, the Corporation issued a reminder advising that all horses and carriages, "must exit the City of Hamilton by 4 p.m."

Last year, 19 people were injured — some seriously — after two spooked horses broke loose and tore down Front Street with their carriage during the tourist event. Many were trapped under the wheels.

Recently, Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros imposed a ban on horse and carriages during Harbour Nights — a move that has been met with controversy. Government Senator Wayne Caines recently sent the Mayor a letter urging him not to impose the ban after it was announced that the Corporation was considering the action. Some claim the Mayor overstepped his authority, which he denies.