Surprise rain showers soaked Front Street during the annual Queen's Birthday Parade yesterday, but not the spirits of the spectators.

The parade is part of the official birthday celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She turns 76 this year.

Josephine, who declined to give her last name, said the weather could not keep her from seeing the pomp and pageantry: "I've been coming here for the past 16 years. Rain, blow or shine, I come every year to pay tribute to the Queen."

After being inspected by Bermuda's new governor, Sir John Vereker, dozens of men and women marched with pride along Front Street representing the Bermuda Regiment, the Regiment Band and Corps of Drums, the Bermuda Police Service and Reserves, the Bermuda Fire Service, the Bermuda Cadet corps and the Bermuda Sea Cadets.

First-time visitors to the Island, Chris & Mary Lane of Poughkeepsie, New York said they had never a parade like this one before: "It's different".

Canadian residents Mr. and Mrs. John Harvey echoed their sentiment.

"It was nice to see how things were done. It was not a lot of action, but interesting, they said. "We enjoyed the music and the uniforms were very sharp."

Zenith passenger, Kiley Britt, of Connecticut, said she was in awe of how the Queen's presence was recognised: "I've never seen anything like this before. It was interesting to see them simulate the Queen's visit with the empty horse-drawn carriage."

A few locals who spoke to The Royal Gazette said they had no interest in the parade and were only there to see friends and relatives march.

Sandys resident Wonder Lynch, whose son participated in the festivities said: "I wouldn't normally be here as it is a family day and we'd be at the beach."

One former Regiment soldier said: "I'm only here because my son is in the junior cadets. I did my three years in the army but this doesn't interest me anymore."

Albert VanLowe, of Warwick, said he only attended the parade because his wife is the patriotic one in the family: "Times have changed. I don't see what the big deal is about. She's (the Queen) not a God."

Added his wife, Paulette: "Bermudians are holding on to old customs."

However, local resident Aleatha, disagreed: "That's rubbish, whatever country you're in, that's the tradition you celebrate."