VISITORS to the Old Town tonight might be forgiven for thinking they had stumbled on to a movie set. There will, after all, be actors dressed in period costume recounting tales of famous figures of St. George’s past. Instead, they will have found A Somers Eing<$> — an event celebrating the long and storied history of Bermuda’s first settlement.

“We are really excited about this year’s event. Our volunteers have put together quite a show for attendees,” said Barbara Holmes Simon, the event co-ordinator.

A Somers Evening, now in its second year, is hosted by the St. George’s Foundation and sponsored by the Bank of Bermuda Foundation.

Residents and visitors alike are invited to stroll through the historic Old Town and meet such personalities as Mary Prince, Pilot James Darrell and Midshipman Dan.

Players from the JARGAN Theatre Company will be on hand to present several lively re-enactments of life in old St. George’s, culminating in public punishment in the stock and pillory, to be held in the town square.

The aim is in part to educate Bermudians about their past. “The idea was born from the National Trust Evening we have here in December. So many people said how nice it would be to have one in the summer, so we decided to start it last year,” she said.

There is so much to see and do that Ms Simon recommends that visitors choose what they watch carefully, as it is impossible to see all the re-enactments.

Organisers this year have incorporated most of the famous buildings and landmarks for the festivities. Among them are the State House, the Deliverance replica and the Town Hall. The latter venue will host a play written for the occasion by historian W.S. Zuill.

Mr. Zuill will not only contribute his own formidable knowledge of local history, but will also be taking to the stage himself as Sir George Somers in a piece about the wreck the Sea Venture <$>and subsequent salvation of Jamestown. Also on offer is another play on St. George’s history by Barbara Jones.

The event will conclude with a finale in the square at 9.15 with a “Public Punishment” and a raffle draw for a $1,000 travel voucher and other prizes.

All roads lead to St. George’s tonight for what organisers promise will be a fun-filled evening for the entire family from 7 p.m. until 9.30. Refreshments will be provided and free parking is available at Tiger Bay.