A romantic mixture of Italian cuisine, jazz, and a passionate ballet performance would be enough to make any moonlit night special -- especially if it's a full moon.

And where better to enjoy these three things but out on the lawns on the Clocktower Parade in Dockyard where there will also be tables decorated with candlelight? On Sunday couples, families and single folks can celebrate the "Festival of the August Moon'', a first-ever event sponsored by the West End Development Cooperation.

As the moon comes into perfect sight one can dine on pizza and a variety of pastas while listening to the sultry sounds of some of Bermuda's top musicians.

The idea to celebrate the August full moon came about from an event held a number of years ago in which sailing and hotdogs were the key.

"Years ago there used to be something called the Festival of the August Moon but it was very different from what we are doing,'' Wedco event coordinator Miranda Gilbert said.

"It involved a floatage of yachts. Boat owners would do a sail by of Dockyard and then they would have a hot dog roast. We decided that we would do something different, more romantic, but keep the name.'' Miss Gilbert added that Wedco decided to turn it into a night of romance because of the full moon and what it is suppose to symbolise.

"With the idea of romance we thought ballet, so I approached Conchita Ming of the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda and they will be performing along with some really nice dinner style, romantic music.

"Food expert and Curious Cook Edward Bottone came up with the Italian food idea with pastas and pizza, it sort of fits with the atmosphere,'' Miss Gilbert said.

Mr. Bottone added: "We chose Italian because Italian is the language of music and I think it's the food of romance. I don't think there is anything more romantic than a night of music and feasting under a full moon except a night of music, feasting, and a full moon in Bermuda. It's still a romantic place to be.

"The Il Palio restaurant in Somerset will be doing Tuscan specialties and La Trattoria will be doing what they do best -- casalinga, which is home cooking with things like pizza - pepperoni and cheese, a variety of pastas, Italian sausage and peppers, sausage and meatball subs and homemade Gelato -- ice cream and sorbet.'' Mr. Bottone also said there will be individual candlelit tables, creating a cozy atmosphere "a perfect way to spend a Sunday evening''.

"This evening is not just for couples -- this is for everyone and even single people should come out because you never know what can happen, especially when there is a full moon and romantic music.'' By taking advantage of the largest full moon of the summer season, which will rise over the Great Sound between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sunday, the festival will feature saxophonist Wendell (Shine) Hayward, the National Dance Theatre, the James Richardson Trio, the X-tasy show band and Sherlyn Swan in a free concert.

"The special three hour evening of entertainment under the stars is in keeping with our policy of attempting to provide a major event once a month,'' development manager Ed Williams said.

"The Jazz and Jerk afternoon in July was a great success and, of course, we have the unbelievable Jazzscape events coming in October, as part of our cultural festival.

"Like Hamilton and St. George's, we are playing our part in providing new and interesting things for our visitors and residents to enjoy.'' In the event of rain, the event will be in the Clocktower.

THAT'S ITALIAN -- La Tratoria along with Il Palio will help to set the romantic scene in Dockyard with their Italian dishes. Pictured are some of the La Trattoria staff (from left), chef Christopher Gibbons, Jada Sousa and Angelo D'Amato with a few dishes.