Locals and visitors will be spoilt for choice of things to do this summer as the Ministry of Tourism has lined up four major events for the season.

Although aimed at attracting vacationers to our shores, the events are open to the public and could well entice Bermudians to forgo a summer break overseas this year.

Each event is targeted at a niche market and Tourism Minister David Allen yesterday reminded MPs of the upcoming programmes and dates:

Second annual Bermuda Big Game Classic - July 11-14;

Neo Soul Festival - August 1-4;

Bermuda Jazz Festival - September 4-7; and

Bermuda Shipwreck Festival - September 14-21.

The Neo Soul Festival and the Shipwreck Festival are new to the local calendar.

Mr. Allen explained that the Neo Soul Festival was created to attract the affluent African American visitor.

"According to surveys this market tends to prefer to travel in groups to special events," he said.

The Cup Match music concert will be staged at Bernard's Park.

American actor Shemar Moore of the Young & the Restless and Soul Train promises to be a highlight for many local fans as he emcees the concert on August 3.

Other foreign entertainers include Bilal, Jaguar Wright, Angie Stone and Cameo.

The Shipwreck Festival in September has been produced and promoted by Skin Diver magazine and will highlight Bermuda as the shipwreck diving capital of the world.

An array of scuba diving celebrities including: National Geographic Society photographer Emory Kristof; ocean explorer and Titanic research contributor Jean-Michel Cousteau; and Ellsworth Boyd - a shipwreck expert and contributing editor to Skin Diver magazine will participate.