Rain yesterday washed away the first Harbour Nights celebration of the year.

The sponsors ? Bank of Bermuda and the Department of Cultural Affairs, along with the entertainment coordinator, Spanishtown ? postponed the event until next week.

?As a sponsor of Harbour Nights, this is disappointing. However, the stage and AV set up for our Youth Talent Showcase is fairly extensive, and requires all day to set up. The rain is not cooperating,? said Bank of Bermuda media relations officer Karen Madeiros.

More than 65 vendors were scheduled to sell or demonstrate their offerings last night but Diane Gordon, executive vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, said she was crossing her fingers that next week would clear up. The Chamber of Commerce, the host of Harbour Nights, is planning to combine both weeks into one.

?Jonathan Trott of Spanishtown is known to make things happen so we are planning an exciting night commencing with the Gombeys at 7 p.m., and official opening by the Mayor of Hamilton and the Minister of Cultural Affairs,? Mrs. Gordon said.

?Tourism Appreciation Week commences on May 1 and through the efforts of the Visitor Industry Partnership and the Bermuda Hotel Association we are pleased to once again have the annual bed race along Front Street. Bank of Bermuda will present the Youth Talent Showcase and the Latin Millennium Jazz band will provide the final touches for the evening,? she explained.