A total of more than 35,000 people attended the six Sunday concerts in Victoria Park last year.

They showcased some 50 local and international groups involving 200 musicians during the season.

This year the Corporation of Hamilton and, sponsors, the Bank of Butterfield have announced seven concerts with the first this Sunday leading up to a Christmas celebration on December 18.

Each concert will feature different styles of music beginning with gospel and, in future months, rock `n' roll, the big band sound, ethnic music and jazz.

Corporation Secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt and Senior Manager of Marketing at the Bank of Butterfield Mr. Tom Lamont launched the new season in the park, last week.

The Easter gospel concert will begin on Sunday at 5 p.m. It will be a family event with Easter Egg decorating for children.

Featured performers are Destiny, Crusaders for Christ, the Miracle Temple Choir, Chorale Dynamics, the Gospel and the First Church of God Choir.

The second Concert in the Park takes place in May when the Youth Ensemble will include a performance by an orchestra and a choir from Washington High School in the United States.

July's big band sound concert will include a band from the United States staying as guests of the Bermuda Regiment band, which will also appear.

Last year's "Rock `n' Roll & Lots of Soul'' concert was the best attended, that will be held in June. And in August the variety of Bermudian cultures will be showcased with a number of ethnic bands.

Mr. Sherratt said: "When we first started we needed to make lots of phone calls to get bands involved. Now we are getting a lot of bands showing an interest in the concerts.

"It provides an ideal opportunity for Bermudian musicians to show what they can do and the public really seem to appreciate it.

"These are similar events to the ones held in Central Park in New York, where the public comes out to see local talent.'' Mr. Sherratt suggested people could bring their own picnics to the events although, the Hamilton Lions will provide food for sale.

He said the Corporation had been delighted with the small amount of trash audiences at last year's events had left behind for workmen to clean up.

Mr. Lamont said: "The Bank of Butterfield is pleased to be able to bring this series once again to the local community, and we look forward to working closely with the Corporation of Hamilton in staging this series''.