A banquet for those who live and work in North Hamilton will take place tonight on Court Street from 7.30 p.m.

The event is being hosted by the Finance Ministry and the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation to celebrate the North-East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone.

It will feature live entertainment, food tastings and a presentation ceremony for local entrepreneurs, among other activities. Deputy Premier Paula Cox JP, who is also the Finance Minister, encouraged residents, visitors and potential entrepreneurs to attend.

"Tomorrow's special banquet is for the people," she said last night. "It's a thank you gesture for all of the many contributions made by residents, businesses and other relevant organisations in establishing the economic empowerment zone."

The economic empowerment zone is bounded by Victoria Street to the south, Cedar Avenue to the west, Pembroke Marsh to the north and King Street to the east.