Bermuda celebrated its 400th anniversary yesterday with a dramatic recreation of the first moments of its settlement, a proud display of its diverse culture and a birthday message from the Queen.

Hundreds of spectators gathered at St. Catherine's Beach in St. George's to watch a re-enactment of the survivors of the wrecked Sea Venture the ill-fated ship which brought the first English settlers to the Island exactly 400 years ago coming ashore.

The 6.30 p.m. performance, which retold the historic story of how Admiral Sir George Somers and his compatriots first set foot here, was just one element in a day of festivities to mark Somers Day.

The commemorations began with a time capsule ceremony outside St. George's Town Hall at 2.30 p.m., featuring entertainment from the School of Music Steel Pan Orchestra.

Town crier David Frith welcomed dignitaries and representatives of numerous groups, who placed items - including books, DVDs, memorabilia, photographs, stamps, newspapers, magazines and coins - into a metal drum container. A location for the capsule will be announced at a later date.

Next was a trip for VIPs and descendants of the Sea Venture survivors on-board the Spirit of Bermuda to the site of the 1609 wreck. The ceremony of thanksgiving began with the firing of a cannon from the deck of the Spirit sloop.

Mr. Frith welcomed visitors and dignitaries, before Reverend David Raths gave a blessing. A fanfare by two trumpeters from the Bermuda Regiment Band gave the signal for flowers to be strewn over the site of the wreck. Mr. Frith then made a toast to the survivors of the Sea Venture and their descendants.

The celebrations continued at a cocktail reception to mark the official opening of the World Heritage Centre by the St. George's Foundation.

The facility uses state-of-the art technology, talks, tours, historical re-enactments and a programme of dramatic presentations, cultural activities and special events to tell Bermuda's 400-year history.

Acting Premier Derrick Burgess congratulated the foundation on a "first-class job well done". Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "Our warmest congratulations to everyone involved in helping to get this facility going. It is a wonderful facility and I hope people will appreciate just how wide its scope is."

At 6 p.m., with the sun still blazing in the east end, the activities moved to the foot of Fort St. Catherine, where a large crowd of locals and visitors lined the sands to wait for history to be retold.

Half an hour later, after performances from Somerset Brigade Band, North Village Band, Bermuda Islands Pipe Band, the Salvation Army Band and sailors from IHMS Manchester$, the moment all had been waiting for arrived.

Two longboats flying the flag of St. George came into view around the curve of the fort, carrying actors dressed in 17th century costume.

They rowed ashore to applause from the audience, which included Mr. Burgess and Sir Richard, as well as St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey and Opposition leader Kim Swan.

The "settlers" then held a reli The "settlers" then held a religious service on the beach, originally named Gates Bay by the IVenture's$ Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Gates, to "affirm their faith in the God who saved them from the sea".

Actor Robbie Godfrey, in the role of Sir Thomas, declared to cheers from the crowd: "I claim these islands, in their entirety, to be English soil," before a cross was driven into the sand.

The Sea Venture "survivors" led a procession to the centre of St. George, where the party continued in the town square, with music from the Bermuda Regiment Band and Corp of Drums.

Sir Richard read out a personal message to Bermudians from Queen Elizabeth II a descendant, he pointed out, of the King of England, James I, at the time of the Sea Venture wreck.

Her Majesty's greeting, sent to Conchita Ming, chairman of the Bermuda 400th anniversary committee, said: "I extend warm greetings to the people of Bermuda as you celebrate 400 years of settlement. "Bermuda's history is a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of the people who call Bermuda home, characteristics shown by the early settlers and through the ages. I am proud of your achievements.

"The shipwreck of the Sea Venture in Bermuda in 1609, and the subsequent building of two ships to permit the Sea Venture's crew to join the rescue of the Jamestown colony in Virginia by its survivors, is one of the stories of the western world.

"Over the past four centuries Bermuda has evolved into a diverse multi-ethnic and multicultural community that is special and probably unique in world terms. I am confident that you will continue to thrive."

Mr. Burgess had a simple message for the Island. "Happy birthday, Bermuda!" he told those gathered. "This is a significant milestone of epic proportions and an event like no other."

The Acting Premier said 2009 was the perfect year to showcase Bermuda and her people to the world with a celebration of its diverse cultures and ethnic groups. The re-enactment of the wreck, he said, was an opportunity to educate all about the Island's past.

Culture Minister Neletha Butterfield said it was important to pay tribute to those who found themselves washed onto Bermuda's shores in 1609 and those that followed them to the Island.

She said Bermuda's people had shown bravery, resourcefulness and humanity in the face of slavery and that it was important to tell the "whole story" of the Island's past.

Mr. Swan said that despite Bermuda's challeneges over the centuries "our path as a people has always been toward a better future". He added: "We must continue to have faith in ourselves and our God."

Ms Caisey said St. George Bermuda's original capital had seen many changes since the Island was settled in 1609 by Sir George Somers.

"While his vision of Bermuda was unlike what we have today, it was a welcome from the storm,"she said. "Even with our existing challenges, Bermuda is still our safe haven and, for those of us who call Bermuda home, the most beautiful place on earth."

Those giving speeches were joined on the stage in the square by guests from St. George's twin town, Lyme Regis, and from Jamestown, the Sea Venture's original destination.

After a ceremonial cutting of a 400th birthday cake, the festivities carried on late into the evening, with music from the Tony Bari Trio; dancing from St. David's Native Community, Bermuda African Dance Co., Grupo Folklorico Vasco de Gama, Filipino dancers and several Gombey troupes; a fashion display and fireworks.