week this summer, the Chamber of Commerce have announced.

Mr. Louis Mowbray, the Chamber president, said Harbour Nights was a success when launched last year and would return this year.

Not only did stores stay open well past their usual 5 p.m. closing times, but musicians and craftsmen worked streets that were closed to traffic.

Restaurants set up tables on the sidewalks, and there were games for children.

The Chamber said Harbour Nights was a hit with both visitors and locals.

"Studies showed that while Bermuda days are great we needed to put more zip into our Bermuda nights,'' Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said at a news conference. "The reaction from our visitors has been just overwhelming.

"It brings Hamilton alive one night of the week. I certainly do support it.'' Harbour Nights will be held each Wednesday night in Hamilton, starting on April 27, and each Tuesday night in St. George's, beginning on May 3.

The Bank of Bermuda, represented at the news conference by Mr. Mowbray, and the Bank of Butterfield, represented by its vice-president corporate management Mr. Colin Furr, are sponsors of the programme, along with the Tourism Department.

With a dedicated cruise ship bringing increased visitors, "St. George's is on the brink of an exciting new era and we are proud to be dedicating our support of this event to the town of St. George,'' Mr. Furr said.

The Up With People troupe is to perform at the opening night in Hamilton, while gombey dancers are to be among the performers at the St. George's kick-off.

Wednesday events in Hamilton will start at 7 p.m., with closing entertainment scheduled for 9 p.m.

The Bermuda Railway Company was among a few Reid Street stores that stayed open late for Harbour Nights last year. It was not known yesterday whether any Reid Street shops would open late this year.