The Premier's Concert and Christmas Boat Parade are expected to be bigger than ever this year in honour of the Island's 400th anniversary.

"These are some events that are held on an annual basis, but they have been enhanced and expanded for the anniversary," explained Conchita Ming, chairman of the Bermuda Anniversary Committee.

The Christmas Boat Parade, held on December 12, is expected to have more boats and a bigger fireworks display. The Premier's Concert on November 28 will honour youth in the performing arts and will bring back past performers for this special show. "Instead of doing 'business as usual', we are putting a spin on it," said Mrs. Ming.

Other events celebrating the 400th anniversary will be equally as festive, the chairman added. On September 6, the Bermuda National Gallery and the Bermuda National Trust will present an exhibit of historical and contemporary art works.

Mrs. Ming believes it will make an "interesting collaboration", one that is sure to please generations of art lovers.

Between September 25 and 27, there are plans to celebrate the Island's Portuguese community. Events include the renaming of Spanish Rock to Portuguese Rock research has found the Spittal Pond landmark wasn't engraved by the Spanish as initially thought.

Portuguese ambassador to the UK, Antonio Santana Carlos, will be present at the renaming, which will also feature Portuguese musicians, dancers and traditional Portuguese cuisine.

The event is one big step to "correcting some history" Mrs. Ming said.

On October 4 the festivities continue with the annual Gombey Festival. This year, seven troupes will perform 15 to 20-minute dances.

Gombey tales will be told and a history of the local troupes will be read. According to Mrs. Ming, the Bermuda Tattoo 2009, a series of music, dance and military performances will also have a special twist this year.

"What they have done this time is look for bands that have historical roots with Bermuda," she said. In addition to the Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums, bands from Nova Scotia and St. Kitts are expected to perform at the event on October 22 to 24.

For more information on these events and many others, visit the Bermuda 400th anniversary website, www.bermuda2009.bm.