The sky was a crystal clear backdrop for fireworks and the temperature just right for revellers to crowd St. George's Town Square to witness the annual lowering of the Bermuda onion.

New St. George's mayor E. Michael Jones officiated the dropping of the sparkly onion and danced the New Year in along with Governor Sir John Vereker and Lady Vereker and a sea of party-goers.

The spectacular fireworks display did outshine the infamous veggie drop and more than one crowd member was overheard saying what a first class display the celebration's fireworks were.

Blue and red miniature flashing lights dotted the crowd that consisted of young and old. Groups of teenagers and many families prepared for the countdown by sitting back and enjoying the entertainment.

Children were treated to two fun castles set up on Ordinance Island and noisemakers and party hats rounded out the evening.

"The fun castles were the best part of the night," said eight-year-old Kaebir Goada before he scooted off to hang out with a group of his friends.

"I'm having fun," said six-year-old Sonia Saidinha who was covered in blue and red flashing lights.

Even Elvis was brought back from the dead and, decked out in his famous white suit, he entertained the crowd and everyone seemed to enjoy his performance of 'Blue Christmas' and many other hip shaking classics.

"The entertainment has been great but did you see Elvis?" Mr. Jones asked excitedly. He added he was also looking forward to his first New Year's countdown as mayor of St. George's.

He told The Royal Gazette: "This is the first time for me to watch over the festivities and I'm looking forward to the countdown and looking forward to a great 2004."

Mr. Jones predicted about 6,000 to 8,000 people would be in attendance. He said: "People will start moving in off Water Street and we should expect about 6,000 to 8,000 people. The weather is warm and I think it will be a fantastic night and so far everyone's been enjoying the entertainment."

He added that it had been a good mix of entertainment to keep everyone in the crowd happy.

Earlier in the evening the crowd also treated to a group of young, talented rappers, a dance performance by United Dance Productions, along with Elvis The soulful sounds of Jahstice Reggae Movement helped Mr. Jones to ring in the New Year.

"I love all that hip hop," said Lady Vereker after watching the performance by UDP. She added how beautiful the night had been.

Sir John added: "It's wonderful to be down in St. George's celebrating New Year with such a lot of wonderful Bermudians."

Sir John and Lady Vereker said this was actually their first year celebrating the New Year in Bermuda and they said they were looking forward to seeing the onion drop.

Although many Bermudians crowded the square visitors to the Island were also in attendance.

Mary Simons, from Chicago, was crowned with a Happy New Year hat.

She said: "This is great, this is my first time coming down here and I'm really excited to see the onion drop."

Nicaraguan, Alvaro Sacasa came to Bermuda for two weeks in the early 70s and hadn't been back since.

"This is my first time coming back to Bermuda in 30 years. It's beautiful and when the onion comes down we'll be celebrating," he said.

Other than the shouts and whistles upon the arrival of the New Year the night saw no unruly commotion. A large presence of Police officers were scattered throughout Town Square and one officer told The Royal Gazette: "Everything has been quiet, it's mainly families here celebrating tonight."