Visitors will be able to sample local entertainment every Thursday and Friday evening from June through to October, it has been announced.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell revealed the new $65,000 initiative between his department and the private sector yesterday.

The Gosling's Sunset Series will be launched on June 5 and will feature calypso, reggae and steel drummers as well as gombey dancers.

Mr. Dodwell said the need for more things to do and evening entertainment were prominently expressed in visitors' comments in the department's Airport Exit surveys.

On Thursdays, visitors will be able to cruise on board the M.V. Longtail to Paradise Lake with the entertainment on board, while on Fridays the venue will switch to Dockyard for the Sunset Beach Party at the Snorkel Park and Beach.

Entertainment co-ordinator Gina Spence said all the entertainment would be local and would cater to a variety of tastes.

It would be a "free-spirited community event'' for the whole family and other entertainers were welcome to contact the department and get on board.

Mr. Dodwell said: "This is a novel way of getting our visitors more involved in activities while at the same time exposing them to an array of local entertainment.

"We also see this as a perfect example of co-operative participation of Government and the private sector for the benefit of our visitors.'' Agreements were made between the department, Gosling's Ltd., Yoshi Ltd. -- which operates the Longtail and the West End Development Corporation which authorised the use of the Snorkel Park.

Gosling's Ltd. vice-president Malcolm Gosling said his firm was attracted to the idea because its business was heavily dependent on visitors and the scheme would enhance their stay.

Marine and Ports have also stepped in to help by providing an extended ferry service from Hamilton to Dockyard on Friday night with a boat leaving Hamilton at 6 p.m. and 7.15 p.m. and returning at 9.30 p.m..