Unity Day in Bermuda.

But the musical event, which was organised at the last minute this year by The Baha'i Faith of Bermuda, only attracted a small turnout.

The aim of the day was to encourage people of all races and religions to work and live as one.

And although yesterday's crowd was small, organiser Derick Symonds said he was pleased to see a mix of cultures in the audience.

Among those performing on the bandstand was the band Scarfish, the Northland Dancers, the George Symonds Trio, Ausar Auset Study Group, Johnathan Northcott, Phenominal Women, Deletta Gillespie, and Keith Caisey.

Singer and Royal Gazette photographer Ras Mykkal was also asked to speak to the crowd on racial unity.

In a poem written for the event about racial divides around the world, he said: "Can you imagine if things were in reverse, if blacks were in control and whites could feel their hurt.

"Some of us may smile, the thought kind of feels nice, but if we're not going to be equal then the system still wouldn't be right.'' Mr. Symonds, who is a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, which governs the Baha'i Faith, said his aspiration was to see Victoria Park full for the event next year.

He said it was the sixth or seventh time the event had been held in Bermuda to mark international Race Unity Day and, despite problems in holding the concert in the park on the correct day this year, they decided to go ahead for continuity sake.

Mr. Symonds added: "Rather than cancel it, we decided to go ahead.

"But we have a great mix in the crowd, which is good. But it would be great if we could fill the park. That is what we are aiming for next year.

"Next year we hope the minister of Cultural Affairs Terry Lister will be here, along with some members from CURE.

"After today we will start to line up the overseas acts for next year. We will give it a lot of promotion.'' He said the aim of the day was to promote race equality and he urged everyone next year to get involved.

He added: "We hope that the message and readings that have been read will be absorbed and practised. We are all the branches of one tree and the fruits of one garden.''