Locals joined delegates from the African Diaspora Heritage Trail conference to celebrate "a night in Africa" in the heart of Pembroke.

Court Street pulsated to the sound of African beats, while dancers and street stalls provided a colourful backdrop to last night's event.

The regular Thursday night Uptown Culture Fest was given a special African theme in honour of the conference and the result was double the usual turnout.

"It's absolutely fantastic and shows the energy of the night," said Elmore Warren, chairman of the Uptown Market Association which promotes the interests of north Hamilton.

"Some visitors from the African Diaspora Trail have given it a great injection, but we still need more locals to experience this. I guess they are not used to it yet. We are going to work with them and get it right. It's irresistible not to come here on Thursday nights."

Mr. Warren estimated that the crowd topped 400 by one hour into the event, with the usual turnout being 200 to 250. The Culture Fest season finishes on October 11, and he pledged that the event would come back next year "better and with way more sponsors."

One Bermuda resident who has been to several of the events this season is Leta Thompson from Pembroke, who was drinking in the atmosphere last night.

Mrs. Thompson, who was wearing a tie-dye African dress in honour of the occasion, is a member of the Akomanataso dance company.

"The turnout could be better. I think people would enjoy it. It's a nice atmosphere ? I love it," she said. "It's all about word-of-mouth. People need to come and see for themselves."