Carnival time came to Bermuda yesterday when thousands of people gathered on Horseshoe Bay to celebrate Good Friday.

To the sounds of Calypso and reggae music, revellers danced on the sand and frollicked in the sea during the Young United Bermuda (YUB) Good Friday Kite Festival.

The weather was not ideal for flying kites, but it certainly did bring people out in droves.

Christian Dunleavy, president of YUB, said he was delighted with the day and the 7,000 people who attended, but a little disappointed that more people had not turned out with kites.

"We were really pleased with the turnout at this year's event,'' he said.

"While the wind may not have been with us, the public certainly were, in large numbers. "We had about 20 entries for the kite-flying competitions -about four for each category.

"It's a shame, but people are not making kites like they used to. The hotels used to have big kite competitions on Good Friday, but they don't anymore.

"Maybe next year we will go around the schools and have kite-making sessions with the pupils and see if that has any impact.'' Mr. Dunleavy said credit had to go to entertainment company Spanish Town International who had provided the entertainment throughout the day, making it an even greater success than usual.

He added: "This is the first time we have had live entertainment and I think it's brought more people out. Everyone is having a great time.'' Helping to entertain the crowds at yesterday's beach party were The Island Teasers and the Little Teasers, who had members of the crowd limbo dancing on the stage.

Talented 14-year-old singer Twanee Butterfield, from Southampton, got rapturous applause for her two-song set.

And keeping the atmosphere alive all afternoon was the band Prestige, singer Eddie Christopher and compere MC Andre (T) Simmons.

Peter Matcham, who won the award for the most beautiful kite, said he was disappointed there had been little wind throughout the kite day.

But he said he was pleased to win the title. The graphic designer said: "It's not something I have a lot of time for now, but I do like to produce kites.

"I think it's such a nice art-form. It's a culture, especially in Bermuda, I would like to preserve.'' Other winners of the festival were: Steven Harvey, for best giant kite; Allan Black, for best small kite; Monique Carlson, most original adult kite; Madonna Smith, most original middle school kite; Shaun Adderley, most beautiful secondary school kite; Peter and Jack Elliott, most beautiful primary school kite.

Photos by Ras Mykkal Tough day: The excitement got too much for 81-year-old Ronald Lodge on Horseshoe Bay yesterday. The senior citizen, from England, decided to catch 40 winks while watching the kite-flying during his holiday on the Island.

Top flight: Middle school student Madonna Smith shows off her award-winning kite, which won in Most Original category.

Three's company: Getting to the beat yesterday were compere MC Andre (T) Simmons, holidaymaker Cathy Payne, from Barbados, and singer Eddie Christopher.

Watch and learn: Limbo dancer Gi Gi, of the Island Teasers, shows compere MC Andre (T) Simmons and willing onlookers how to do it on the stage yesterday.