Community leaders today called on Bermudians to come out and celebrate the 400th anniversary of Bermuda and to make 2009 a year of memories.

Celebrations to mark the anniversary start tonight in Hamilton with acrobatics, stilt-walkers, and a fish chowder competition, but events are also planned throughout the year to make it a memorable 12 months. The festivities will continue rain, blow or shine.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said:"As we celebrate 400 years of continuous habitation in Bermuda, let's also reconnect to the fascinating stories of our forefathers. Let's make 2009 a year we'll remember for the next 100."

And Minister of Community and Cultural Affair, Dale Butler said:"Celebrating our 400th anniversary is a major milestone for all Bermudians because it allows us to reflect on our beginnings and our evolution as a nation in waiting."

Opposition Leader Kim Swan challenged Bermudians to come closer as a people and added: "This is a glorious opportunity for us to move further along that arc, to recognise our success as a people, to take pride in the things we have done right, to affirm the values we share and use the lessons of our history to continue building toward that better Bermuda.

"Ultimately, the goal for the celebration of 400 years should be to bring us closer together as one people."

The anniversary celebrations will begin tonight on Front Street with a huge range of activities and fun ranging from Gombeys, a fireworks display and acrobatics.

Chairman of the 2009 Steering Committee, Conchita Ming said: "What a wonderful way to start the year. This is really to celebrate Bermuda and her people."

She added:"One of the things we are trying to say is that were celebrating the journey of Bermuda over the 400 years. It's not only about the shipwreck in 1609, it's about the journey and how far we've come.

"I think the important thing is the theme, celebrating Bermuda and her people. That is what we are trying to emphasise throughout everything we do. A celebration of who we are as a people. We want to celebrate us.

Mrs. Ming continued: "It's going to be so exciting. There is something for the whole family and I think that's really key."

Diane Gordon, Chamber of Commerce Vice President said: "Starting 2009 in 'celebration' style is a great way to begin a new year but we must be mindful that Bermuda is at a critical point in its development based on its place in the global economy and the impact of the global economy on Bermuda. Future prosperity and growth will require the Island to, once again, adapt, change and reinvent itself.

She continued: "Bermuda has a lot to celebrate. Over the time span of 400 years we have developed a unique national identity, traditions, a mature political system and an economy admired and respected by many larger countries in the world. Our 400th anniversary celebrations are a wonderful opportunity for everybody in Bermuda to take pride in their country."

A major part of the year long celebrations are focused on Bermuda's history since its settlement in 1609 by Sir George Somers. Milestones include Bermuda's first Parliament in 1620 at St. Peter's Church, the abolition of slavery in 1834 and PLP winning its first general election in 1998.

Some of the events this year include the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, Native Bermuda Festival, Re-Enactment of the Sea Venture Wreck and Fort St. Catherine and many more.

For more information on the year-long celebrations, visit www.bermuda2009.bm.