So -- almost as if on cue -- yesterday's rainy skies cleared and only sunshine washed over the nearly 2,000 spectators gathered along Front Street to take in the pagentry of another Queen's birthday celebration.

Led by the sounds of the Bermuda Regiment Band, units of the Regiment, the Police regular and reserve service, Fire service and Army Cadets marched smartly into position before the VIP gallery at the foot of Brunswick Street.

The Sea Cadets, a normal feature of the parade were not present this year. It is understood that they failed to turn up for a final rehearsal on Sunday morning and were thus excluded.

Arriving shortly after by chauffeur-driven car, the commanders from each arm of the services took up position -- Chief Fire Officer Reginald Rawlins and Police Commissioner Colin Coxall, each in full dress.

Also taking their places were three newcomers to the ceremony, led by Hamilton Mayor William de Frith who arrived decked out in top hat and the chains of office.

Meanwhile, to cheers from the crowd, a radiant Premier Pamela Gordon took her position at the front of the reviewing stand. Others in attendance included Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith, Government Ministers, and US Consul General Robert Farmer.

The parade also marked one of the first public appearances of Bermuda's new Governor Thorold Masefield, who with his wife Jennifer at his side, arrived under Police escort in an open horse-drawn carriage.

The 57-year-old career diplomat however seemed a natural for the pomp and circumstance of his office. Dressed in full whites with a blue sash, Governor Masefield seemed at home inspecting the Regiment and took the salute of the troops in kind.

Following a 21-gun salute and the traditional feu-de-joie of the Regiment's rifles, Governor Masefield led the crowd in three cheers for the Queen.

"I didn't know what was happening when we got here, but it's nice to see all the flags and colour and tradition,'' New York visitor Amos Victor said.

"When you see something like this you know you're definitely not in the United States.''