The revitalisation of the West End began last week when thousands of locals flocked to the Dockyard version of Harbour Nights.

?Destination Dockyard?, a joint initiative between the Chamber of Commerce and the Dockyard business community, was held last Thursday.

The pilot evening attracted such an overwhelming response ? despite weather forcing the Norwegian Crown to dock in St. George?s that night instead of Dockyard ? that the street festival will be taking place on a regular basis in 2005.

It was the fast ferries that saved the evening for Norwegian Crown visitors (and locals), with the Ministry of Transport setting up a round-trip free ferry service from both St. George?s and Hamilton to Dockyard for the evening. ?The West End was rewarded by tremendous support from the community and demonstrated a clear message that a street festival is required for our visitors and locals next season,? the Chamber stated in a Press release.

Popular local group Prestige, with occasional Town Crier Ed Christopher, entertained the public in Dockyard with ?a fast-moving programme of music and humour?, the release stated.

There were a variety of activities and events to experience, ranging from the Dolphin Show, to a Halloween costume contest for kids, the W&W Gombeys, dancers from the Jackson School, a fashion show featuring Dockyard goods and various street vendors.