The Christmas boat parade will be two miles long organisers have predicted.

Around 70 boats and 1,000 participants are set to take part on Saturday making it the annual event's largest fleet.

It sets sail from the Royal Bermuda Yacht club at 6.30 p.m.

Organiser Ian Coles said: "This is the biggest spectator event of the year and we anticipate this year will be the biggest parade fleet ever - almost two miles long."

Spectators on boats are being warned that Hamilton Harbour will be closed to commercial and private boats from 5.30 p.m. There will also be no anchor zones near the parade route.

Mr. Coles said: "Only boats entering and participating in the parade will be allowed to be close to the parade route. We must put safety first."

Organisers expect thousands of spectators.

"For the best views we are suggesting the public watch from Front Street or Harbour Road," said Mr. Coles.

He said the route was on the web site www.bermudaboatparade.bm showing extensions to take in Salt Kettle and Darrell's Wharf.

Live commentary will be broadcast on Radio VSB Mix 106FM and will be relayed over a public address system at the Flagpole on Front Street, Albouy's Point and the Yacht Club.

Mr. Coles said: "We encourage spectators to bring their radios with them and tune in to Mix 106. This is a great way to follow the parade."

Police will close the eastbound lane of Harbour Road from Manse Road and the north roundabout but traffic will be allowed to flow one-way into Hamilton on the the other lane.

Front Street will remain open to traffic in both directions, but the southern parking lane will be closed from Parliament Street to the Ferry Terminal to allow a walkway for spectators.