Thousands lined the streets of Hamilton for dancing, drones, fireworks and the much anticipated arrival of Santa Claus last night.

People of all ages, from newborn infants sleeping in their parents’ arms to senior citizens, turned out for The MarketPlace’s annual Christmas parade, drone and fireworks display.

The events were dedicated to Vernon Hassell, former vice-president of The MarketPlace, who passed away in September.

The parade started at about 5pm near Par-la-Ville Car Park and concluded at approximately 7.30pm at the Birdcage on Front Street.

This year’s event featured 32 line-ups, including three Gombey troupes and dance groups such as the St George’s Dancerettes and SUI Generis Dance.

Keiasha Simons, whose daughter performed with the dancerettes last night, has attended the parade for as long as she can remember.

She said: “So far so good. The parade has changed a lot. There’s a lot more acts performing now and far fewer gaps between them.”

Deshae Edness, the founder of SUI Generis Dance, said students from the group have performed in every Christmas parade since it formed in 2013.

She explained: “We’re pretty well known in the community, and our group has grown over the years. Now I have 55; I started out with about 20-something.

“Their favourite part about performing is the Christmas spirit, the lights — it’s just a festive season.”

SUI Generis dancers wore red and white and their routine encompassed jazz, modern, hip-hop and contemporary elements.

There wasn’t just dancing during the parade. The Royal Bermuda Regiment Band played holiday favourites with Santa hats on, while famous characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants and Buzz Lightyear filled children with glee.

Fabrizio Alvarez said “every part of the parade was really good this year”, and particularly enjoyed seeing his three grandchildren, aged 15, 14 and 8, with the Barritt’s team, which featured the company’s special gingerbread mascot.

Chanel Francis, who has attended the parade for at least 30 years, did not come out to see a specific performance, but especially enjoyed DanceSations and the PHC Majorettes and Drum Corps this year.

Ed Christopher, Hamilton’s award-winning town crier, walked in the parade, which ended with the arrival of Santa.

That did not mark a stop to evening fun, however — drones lit up the Hamilton Harbour sky with a Christmas tree, a cricket player, Santa riding a scooter, a pair of Crown & Anchor dice and several other Bermuda and Christmas-themed images.

Both the drone show and 15-minute fireworks display were met with thunderous applause from spectators.

Attendee Latonae McGowan said: “Everything, the parade, drone show and fireworks, was just incredible and fantastic.

“My favourite drone display was Crown & Anchor. It was a nice send-up to Cup Match.”

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