Bermuda officially launched into summer yesterday with a spectacular Heritage Day street party that cleared the grey skies and brought the sun shining over the Island.

After three days of rain, cloud and high winds, which left some people fearing for the success of this year's event, the weather could not have been more perfect for the 23rd Bermuda Day.

Thousands of people flocked to Hamilton to watch a parade of floats, dancers, musicians and groups snake their way around the city in a carnival atmosphere that could have rivalled London's Notting Hill and New York's Thanksgiving celebrations.

Deck chairs, picnic tables and floor rugs lined the sidewalks as revellers took their positions for the festivities, which had the ultimate aim of bringing together the diverse and rich cultures of the Island.

With 16 floats in the procession yesterday, along with gombey groups, majorettes, uni-cyclists, and a variety of musicians - there was a wealth of talent on display in all shapes, nationalities, ages and sizes.

The stars of this year's show would have to be the Morgan State University Band, which received a standing ovation and loud cheer for its rendition of Janet Jackson's `It's All for You' before Premier Jennifer Smith.

Under the direction of Melvyn Miles Junior, they then put their instruments on the ground and began to show off some nifty footwork and dance routines that had the audience eating out of their hands.

A special mention must also go to the Bermuda African Dance Company, which were accompanied by professional drummer M'Bemba Bangoura from Guinea; St. George's Original Dancerettes; Choy Aming's Fantasia with the Clayhouse Carnival Dancers; and The Filipino Association of Bermuda, which brought an explosion of colour with their traditional dress, dance and hoops of flowers.

The Premier, relaxed and smiling after returning from the Bahamas this week, watched the activities from the stand by the Flag Pole, where she was accompanied by Bermuda's new Governor Sir John and Lady Vereker, Hamilton Mayor Lawson Mapp, a number of Government Ministers, and Opposition Leader Dr. Grant Gibbons.

Ms Smith, who has made no secret of her love of dancing, toe-tapped and clapped her way through the show, even raising to her feet when the St. George's Original Dancerettes went by, which are members of her constituency.

When the Warner Gombey Folklore Dancers passed, the Premier went down to the street to join in their show.

After the two-hour parade, Ms Smith said: "I thought the whole parade was very successful.

"I thought the floats were even more creative and beautiful than ever. I like the return of the traditional ideas.

"And from all the comments I have heard from the crowd, I think everyone has had a wonderful time."

As for the dancing, the Premier said she had thoroughly enjoyed herself.

But she said she was just a tiny bit disappointed that the Bermuda Salsa Organisation had not invited her to dance with them, too.

Instead, Senator Michael Scott took the opportunity to join their performance and wiggled his hips to the groove.

The Premier added: "I certainly would have danced with the Salsa group. Now, Salsa, I really know."

Chandran Pandian was with his wife Ambika and two children watching the parade on Front Street yesterday.

His wife said: "We really enjoyed it. It's good that everyone is involved. We missed a few of the performers, but we saw lots of interesting ones."

And tourists Margot and Jan Goldman, from New York, said they believed the parade yesterday epitomised Bermuda.

The couple said they first visited Bermuda 20 years ago when they married here. Since then, they have visited the Island no less than ten times.

She said; "Normally we come in July or August, but last year we came for the Memorial bank holiday weekend. It was a shame because the parade was rained out, but we still had a great time, anyway.

"It was great to see the parade this year. We were very impressed."

One of the judges of the floats, Nell Johnston said this year's judging task was a difficult one.

She said she had been judging since the parade first began in 1979, and found it got more difficult every year.

She said: "We want to encourage more people to take part in the float parade. This year there was 16, but it's gone down. When we first started we used to get about 26.

"But the entries this year were very good. It was very difficult choosing. I don't think people realise how much time and effort goes into the floats."

The winner of the Most Artistic Float and the Most Original Float this year was the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) with its giant eel and coral reef.

BAMZ worker Jermiko Dillas said it took the team about two months to complete their float, but it had been worth it.

The float was dedicated to Elleanor, the BAMZ eel that died two years'g ago.

With a jaw that opened and closed, Spanish Bayonets for teeth, and and a nose that spurted water, it was a real crowd-pleaser.

Mr. Dillas said: "It took us quite a number of weeks, and we had to put the finishing touches to it this morning, but it won two prizes, which was nice. It's great to take part."