The creators of the best floats featured in this year’s Bermuda Day Parade were recognised last week at an awards ceremony held at the Bermuda National Gallery.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Community, Culture and Sport, handed out awards to the top floats and praised the hard work of the contributors and everyone who took part in this year’s parade.

“There was something quite magical about seeing the dazzling costumes and energy showcased by the various dance groups despite the downpours,” he said.

“And the close of the parade featuring Gombeys without regalia, dancing through the rain with the crowds following them, really speaks to the spirit of a wonderful day.

“Today, we are gathered to acknowledge and highlight the float participants who spent many long hours creating remarkable displays of tradition and pageantry.”

The Berkeley Educational Society won the top prize in the Natural Heritage Float Category, which had to be created with natural materials and embrace the theme “A Bermudian Renaissance”.

The Vasco da Gama Club won the second place in the category, while One Body in Christ’s Movement for God’s Purpose took the third place prize.

The Berkeley Education Society also claimed the Premier's Award for Best Float, the Ruth Thomas Award for Best Heritage Float and the Dr Marjorie Bean Award for the Best Hight School Float.

Meanwhile, Impact Mentoring Academy won top prize for the Art Float Category, with the Department of Culture claiming second place and the St George’s Dancerettes winning the Upcycled Float category.

Impact Mentoring Academy also won the Reggie Ming Award for Most Beautiful Float and the Dr J Williams Award for Best Middle School Float.

One Body in Christ’s Movement for God’s Purpose won the Minister’s Award for most original float; St David’s Primary won the Dr Kenneth E Robinson Award for Best Primary School.

The Bermuda Motorcross Association won the JS Outerbridge Award for best individual float; Vasco da Gama Club won the LCCA Award for best charity float; and Paget Primary School won the Bermudian Excellence Award.