Harbour Nights made a triumphant return to the City of Hamilton tonight without Covid-19 restrictions for the first time for two years.

Hundred of visitors and residents gathered on Front Street to shop for souvenirs, eat snacks and enjoy the atmosphere.

Erin Liggett, from New York, said she was glad he took the ferry to the city for the event and see more of the island.

“I had wanted to visit Hamilton on the trip and this just seemed like a great excuse to come out,” she said.

“I like going to events like this at home. There’s live music at the bars, there seems to be a lot going on. It’s a good time.

“I’ve heard a lot about the Gombeys, so I’m excited to see that when they come out.”

Darren Smith, who is visiting the island from Connecticut, agreed.

“I’m really looking forward to trying some of the food,” he said. “Everything looks and smells great.”

He said he was somewhat disappointed that more stores were not open as he was not sure they were going to make it back to the city before they depart.

The vendors with booths at the event said they were impressed by the crowds after two quiet years with limited tourism.

Alfonso Harris, owner of Churchill’s Wine and Spirits, said he was pleased with the number of customers who had visited his vendor’s booth.

“It’s looking very promising,” he said. “The weather is great, we have some new vendors out on Front Street, so I’m excited for what the season has in store.

“The year has just started, but hopefully things are going to work out. The ferries are running and we have the locals out as well, which is always nice.

“I’m excited. I know I’m going to be a little tired, but you have got to do what you have got to do.”

Monica Wade, of Details, a first-time vendor at Harbour Nights selling art, said that while her first day started slow, she was optimistic that things would turn around.

“People seem to be liking the work, but I haven’t had any bites so far,” she said.

“The turnout is a lot better than I expected — I did not think it was going to be like this. I would have thought a few people, not a whole street full.”

Businesses that opened their doors for Harbour Nights also saw the benefits, with numerous Front Street bars and restaurants packed with customers.

Hannah Kaye Willmott, of Bermuda Book Store, said she had seen good foot traffic and sales throughout the evening.

“It has been pretty brisk. We have had a lot of people coming in and buying things, which has been nice,” she said.

“Compared to past years, it has been comparable if not better than some. Everyone is so excited to get back into it.

“I was worried that people might not know it was on, but they seem to have sussed it.”

The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce said Harbour Nights will continue to be on Front Street from 7pm until 10pm every Wednesday through to August 31.