Thousands of people are set to flock to St. George's on Sunday to mark the end of 2000 and the start of a new year.

Organisers at the Chamber of Commerce are expecting between 7,000 and 8,000 revellers to pack the old town for music, food, song and fun for the annual New Year's Eve party.

This year it is being organised by the St. George's division of the Chamber of Commerce with assistance from the Corporation of St. George's, the Tourism Departnment, and restaurants.

And in a combined effort, they are hoping as many people as possible will take up the opportunity to dine in one of the nearby restaurants and bars.

Organiser Lynda Johnson said the night will begin at about 7 p.m. with activities for children around the square, including face painting and bouncy castles.

Just after 9 p.m. there will be a live performance from two bands, Last Rites and Jahstice, and then singer Gita Blakeney will take over.

At midnight, the six foot fibre glass Bermuda onion will be raised for the New Year dunking when the clock strikes 12. Then, depending on the weather, fireworks will follow.

Ms Johnson urged as many people as possible to get down to St. George's this Sunday evening.

She said: "We have had between seven and eight thousand people there in the past, and we are expecting about the same this year.

"It is always a big family event with lots going on for everyone, so families should come down and enjoy the fun.

"Obviously, we are encouraging people to eat in the restaurants, but there will not be enough places for everyone, so there will also be big food stalls in the square for people to grab something to eat. They can make a night of it.'' Fellow organiser Jane Spurling said the event was a real community effort, with businesses and members of the community offering a helping hand.

She said: "It is a real carnival atmosphere and we are expecting this year to be even better than the Millennium because it does not have to be televised this year, so things will not have to be so timed for the cameras.''