who turned out for the 15th annual Labour Day march through the streets of Hamilton yesterday.

A festive air was clearly evident at Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters where soca music blared from speakers near the steps while last-minute preparations were being made for the parade.

Just after 11.30 a.m. a contingent from the Bermuda Regiment band and corps of drums marched out to take its place at the head of the gathering.

Among those in attendance were members of the Progressive Labour Party, the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Bermuda Public Services Association and the Mount Zion AME Church.

The marchers, many carrying banners while others hoisted umbrellas to shield from the sun's rays wound their way from Union Square through Victoria, Front and Queen Streets.

After a short respite at Church Street to collect water -- the temperature hovered around 87 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity reached 80 percent -- they carried on to Cedar Avenue and Marsh Folly Road before making a final stop at Bernard Park via Dutton Avenue.

At one point the entire proces sion, that also featured Warner's Gombey troupe, Warwick Majorettes and drum corps and the Second Hamilton Scouts drum and bugle band, stretched the entire length of Front Street -- east of its junction with Court Street -- to the bird cage.

Along the entire route well-wishers encouraged the marchers from the sidewalks, while others who made use of the shade that the trees lining Cedar Avenue provided, sat in deck chairs and waved and clapped as the parade moved past them.

The marchers reached Bernard Park around 12.20 p.m. where a small gathering of people were waiting.

While the Warwick Majorettes performed briefly, the crowd was also treated to an energetic display from the Warner's Gombeys troupe.

Amid the speeches from Government, Union and clerical personalities, stall owners did a brisk trade in T-shirts, fish sandwiches, and snowballs.

The Labour day festivities were a hit with the local audience and tourists alike.

Greg and Nancy Espinoza of Morristown New Jersey were taking pictures as the parade crossed Church Street and wanted to see the Gombeys.

"This is very festive,'' Mr. Espinoza said of the parade. "The costumes are very colourful and bright.''