The Ruth Seaton James Auditorium was abuzz last night as a line-up of young creatives dazzled the audience when they performed at the 40th edition of the annual Premier’s Concert.

Attendees were treated to two hours of the island’s talent, who showcased their skills in dance, music, song and poetry.

Hosted by the Department of Culture, the event began with musical renditions by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Junior Band.

David Burt said the annual showcase of various talents held a special place in the island’s cultural calendar.

The Premier added: “Since its inception in 1985, this event has celebrated creativity, expression and the role that the arts play in shaping who we are as a people.”

Mr Burt said to mark the 40th milestone “we do so with renewed focus with what has been at the heart of this concert … our young creatives in Bermuda”.

He noted that the performers represented the next generation of musicians, singers, dancers, poets and creatives who are developing their craft and who represent the future of Bermuda in entertainment and art.

The Premier added that the event highlighted the Government’s recognition of how the arts provide more than performance.

He said: “They build discipline, confidence, teamwork and also develop resilience.

“They offer young people means of expression, and for many an opening to new and exciting opportunities.

“That is why we remain committed to supporting youth and culture, education and providing investment and access to platforms where talent can be nurtured and be seen.”

The packed auditorium was treated to a piano performance by brothers Odin and Dylan Flanagan.

Under dimmed lights, dancers from the DanceSations group then took over the stage to perform a piece entitled Hope.

The Northlands Primary School choir, under the direction of Terry Henry, enchanted the audience with Let the Children Sing, Every Praise, How Majestic is Your Name and He Reigns.

Some crowd members stood and clapped as the children left the stage and one member of the audience noted: “They took us to church with that performance … impressive.”

Hosts Patrina “Power Girl” O’Connor-Paynter and John Luca threaded the event with words of advice and encouragement for the island’s creatives.

Poet Alay Burgess-Rocker told the crowd that she was a bit nervous, moments before she performed her spoken-word poem, Excellence.

The piece, which gave a poetic insight into the young woman’s everyday thoughts, drew loud cheers from the audience.

DanceSations performers then returned to the stage with a hip-hop piece choreographed by Sasha Dill.

A string ensemble from the Bermuda School of Music delivered an uplifting performance on violins and cello.

Young singer Serilina Fisher kept the audience entertained when she played guitar and sang We are Shipwrecked, which she wrote.

The 2025 Bermuda Idol Competition winner and Warwick Academy student then performed Andra Day’s Rise Up, delighting the audience.

The night’s events were capped with a Dancing Through the Decades performance by Troika, with routines choreographed by Ms Dill, which took attendees back to music from the 1980s through to the 2000s.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said after witnessing the performances, he was proud that the arts was “still going strong”.

He said: “For four decades this event has given artists an opportunity to discover their voices, to honour our culture and express their creativity with courage and excellence.

“What we have witnessed tonight shows us why this concert endures and why it is so popular … because our young people continue to rise to the occasion.”

Mr Darrell said the young performers were surrounded and supported by the community.

He added: “This kind of support doesn’t just build performance, it builds confidence, leadership and pride in who they are.”

The Government will continue to support the island’s creatives, the minister added.

“What you have brought us tonight is truly special,” he told performers.