Organisers hadn?t expected this year?s May 24 Parade to take a full four hours to make its way down Front Street, nor had they expected Drag ?Queen? of Bermuda Sybil Barrington to ignore a Government ban and join in and strut his stuff in front of assembled VIPs.

However, the Island?s showpiece public celebration event lived up to expectations for thousands of spectators who lined the streets of Hamilton to cheer the 57 floats, groups and individuals who provided a full afternoon of entertainment.

And Premier Alex Scott joined in with two Gombey dancing groups and KC?s Sexy Sailor Soca Dancers, his wife Olga also being enticed down from the invited guests? seats at the Flag Pole to dance with the Aliskani Girl Gombeys.

Tourists onboard two cruise ships docked along Front Street had a bird?s eye view of the procession that featured Gombeys, unicycles, vintage motorbikes and cars, clowns, majorettes, the Regiment Band and the Combined Band of the Jamaican Defence Force.

The pavements of Hamilton were festooned with in a patchwork of gazebos, many erected at first light ? or earlier ? in order for spectators to claim a prime viewing position.

Earlier in the morning the crowds encouraged 600 runners on the Marathon Derby as they made their way from Somerset to Barnard Park for the 96th annual running of the event, which saw Terrance Armstrong retain his title.

Then it was time for the parade and a spectacle that left Community Affairs Minister Dale Butler enthusing: ?It was first class. It ran a little late because of the number of dancing groups and because everyone wants to perform in front of the Premier. But it went extremely well.?

He praised the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda who put on a dance routine that delighted the crowds, and the colourful costumes of majorette groups and numerous Gombey troupes.

A drive-by of vintage Mobylette bikes started the parade, quickly followed by a selection of scooters, vintage cars and the Long Riders motorcycle club.

The previous day Government had ruled parade entry number six, ?Queen? of Bermuda Sybil Barrington (aka female impersonator Mark Anderson) would not be allowed to take part following a Cabinet decision that ?given the longstanding cultural mores of the annual Bermuda Day holiday and local sensitivities, it was considered inappropriate for Mr. Anderson?s entry to participate in the parade?.

However, with a selection of Cabinet Ministers, the Premier, Governor Sir John Vereker and Lady Vereker and US Consul General Gregory Slayton watching from beneath the Flag Pole, the ?banned? drag queen Mr. Anderson strutted his stuff and later told thethat, as a Bermudian, he felt he had every right to be part of the parade.

He claimed the words of Premier Mr. Scott and UBP leader Wayne Furbert featured in the parade day programme and calling for a celebration of all Bermuda?s differences and for people not to be judged by appearances had been contradicted by the efforts of the Government and the view of Mr. Furbert that he should not be allowed to take part.

Spectators were of mixed opinion as to whether Mr. Anderson should have been in the parade, officially or unofficially, with many saying his drag queen routine had nothing to do with Bermuda?s heritage, which the parade celebrates.

Following his controversial involvement, Mr. Anderson said: ?They can?t stop me from being in the parade. I represent the ?Queen of Bermuda? and as the Queen I?m a sunshine person who reigns over the people.

?This is my country and this is what I stand for. Most people have been very supportive although there have been some that were being negative.?

The moment of controversy was soon forgotten as floats made their way along Front Street and through Hamilton. Winner of the most beautiful float was the Fairmont Southampton Hotel?s ?Tea at the Fairmont? complete with giant teapot and cup. The Premier?s Award went to the Ministry of the Environment and Parks Department?s depiction of Bermuda?s parks, while the best volunteer float was the Bermudians Against Narcotics? which carried a message for a drug-free Bermuda.

Paget Primary School?s float celebrating Bermuda?s animal habitat was judged best by a primary school, although there was plenty of admiration for third-placed Prospect Primary School?s mini-Policeman in a mock up of the Birdcage.

One of those in the crowd was tourist Jane Paterson, from Manchester, UK, who said: ?It?s nice to see how all the children have been involved from across the community.?

Involving all the community was also high on the thoughts of Premier Mr. Scott, who said: ?The parade has been more energised this time and it is a wonderful coming together of the community. I was on the Bermuda Independence Commission that recommended this sort of event to bring this coming together. You can?t go away from this without feeling neighbourliness.?

Community Affairs Minister Mr. Butler paid tribute to the work of his department and staff, mentioning by name Heather Whalen and the Heritage Advisory Committee, and praised Gladwin Smith who had built three floats for the parade.