Float entries for this year's Bermuda Day parade on Monday have increased slightly over last year, according to officials of the Community and Cultural Affairs Department.

At yesterday's press conference updating plans for the holiday, Minister Randolph Horton said he would like to see even greater participation next year .

The day's activities begin at Somerset with the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycle Race at 8.45 p.m., followed by an inline skating race and the annual marathon.

The Heritage Junior Classic Race kicks off at Front Street at 9.35 in the morning.

The parade itself will start at 1 p.m. at the corner of Par-la-Ville and Front Street and wend its way to North Field by the National Stadium, the venue for a concert starting at 4.30 p.m.

Almost 50 floats have been entered, many of them dance groups. A ten member panel of judges will give out awards in 13 categories.

The theme for this year's Heritage Day is `Traditions of Land, Air and Sea'.

"Whatever the image that comes to mind when we reflect on this year's theme for Heritage Month, we know that Bermuda is truly a country rich in customs and traditions. We live in an Island that has a legacy of strong traditions, many of which grew up and were the result of our unique relationship to the sea, land and the air," said Mr. Horton.

"This year's Heritage Day parade will have all the colour and pageantry of previous years."