The Bermuda Music Festival will this year continue its tradition of featuring local talent with organisers expanding the design and layout of its location at the National Sports Centre, according to new proposals.

Premier Ewart Brown hailed last year's festival — which saw performances from legendary American band Earth Wind and Fire, comedian and actor Steve Harvey, and five local acts — as "an overwhelming success,".

A proposal for this year's festival, taking place from October 1 to 4, is looking to feature the winner of the Bermuda Idol competition, in addition to world-renowned artists.

Details were revealed in a 45-page proposal by the producers of the Bermuda Music Festival (BMF) since 2005, US-based The Festival Network, which was paid $250,000 by the Department of Tourism for producing last year's event.

The group is the world's largest international festival company and describes itself as a world leader in the partnering of destination and event marketing.

As in last year's event, organisers are planning to feature the largest stage constructed in the Island's history at the National Sports Centre, including a 200-foot sound and video wings.

A state-of-the-art sound system is also being promised this year, complete with expert sound system technicians available.

And, all stages will be fitted with world-class staging and lighting that meets the specifications of the world's top performers with a spectacular video projection system.

Another innovation brought to the BMF is the opening night performance at the Fairmont Southampton. The evening serves both as a kick-off party and a full component of the festival.

Since its inception three years ago, this event has grown to sell out two years in a row, even as its capacity has been increased.

The event also provides an opportunity to entertain members of the Cabinet, celebrities, sponsors and clients with the VIP party at the Southampton's beach club restaurant.

Organisers are also hoping to utilise the beach club again in October, with the beach house hosting the Steve Harvey Morning show, which is to be broadcasted live from there.

The 2007 BMF saw Mr. Harvey, who hosts a top-rated radio show from his New York base, broadcast live from Bermuda prior and during the event, for one week. The Steve Harvey Morning Show is heard in more than 40 markets in the United States.

Prominent in this year's plans is the coveted Onion Stage, which serves as a forum for Bermudians artists and emerging talent.

Since 2005, it has been a successful addition to the main festival site. It was originally situated in the Victualling Yard in Dockyard and now at the National Sports Centre stadium.

The Onion Stage is situated near the entrance of the Food and Craft Village and has seating to accommodate festival-goers who wish to enjoy the local cuisine, as well as the talent.

The BMF producers want to "project the Onion Stage performances onto a main stage video screen during the changeovers.

"Thereby, the entire audience in the stadium will see the performances by Bermudian artists on that stage," says their proposal.

Producers will create special satellite music events to be held during the day, just prior to and during the festival at key locations around the Island.

The music events will feature local artists and take place in Hamilton, St. Georges and in Dockyard.

Venues being looked at include the Cabinet lawn, Building Park, Barr's Bay Park, Albouy's Point Park, Par-la-Ville Park and Victoria Park.

BMF's proposed budget includes 41 percent of expenses, the highest of which goes toward talent fees and talent ground and air transportation, hotel and hospitality. At 16 percent, the second-highest expense in the budget is site costs.

This incorporates the costs for construction, electrical, plumbing, venue rental, as well as tents, tables and chairs.

More information on the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival can be obtained from its official website, www.bermudamusicfestival.com.