The Department of Tourism is hoping to put some oomph into the low season next year by starting a college marching band competition.

The aim is to attract band members, their families and friends to Bermuda during college spring break in the United States, which is normally in March, well before the season really takes off on the Island.

Bermuda used to attract large numbers of college students from the US, but events such as the band competition are seen as a tool to bring them back.

Marching band competitions are fiercely competitive in the US, and a number of events are held at campuses across the country.

Tourism yesterday published a request for proposal inviting tenders to run a marching band competition on the Island for next spring.

Director of Tourism Judith Hall-Bean said yesterday: "It is a marketing tool for spring break to get people here.

"We have circulated this to all colleges across the US and we are hoping it will give us greater numbers during spring break.''

Individual college bands have come to Bermuda for the Heritage Day parade in May, but there has never been an organised competition.