Sunny skies and a crowd of spectators were on hand for yesterday's Peppercorn Ceremony in Town Square, St. George's.

Students and visitors waited with anticipation as dignitaries filed into place for the annual event.

The ceremony, which began in 1816, saw freemason Richard Moulder present Governor Sir Richard Gozney with a single peppercorn for a year's tenancy in the Old State House on behalf of the Lodge of St. George.

The State House was the original seat of Government until it moved to Hamilton and Governor Sir James Cockburn granted use of the building to the lodge.

The ceremony began with a boom 17 ear-piercing shots fired towards St. George's Harbour by the Bermuda Regiment, signalling the Governor's arrival.

The noise however left some spectators covering their ears and prompted a shout from one student: "Ow! Why are they shooting off the cannons right next to us?"

Answering the remark a teacher gave a brief explanation of the significance of the event, adding that there would have been 21 shots fired if the Queen were present.

The ceremony carried on for a little over an hour, much to the entertainment of those present.

Said Malcolm Jennings, from Smith's, said: "This is my first time watching the ceremony, I came down to see two of my nephews who are in the Regiment. It was nice."

St. David's resident Cherri DeSilva said she enjoyed the ceremony, adding: "The weather was appropriate because it set the ambiance of the festival which marked this day of significance. Now that the rent is paid we can enjoy the rest of the day and focus on its other significance as [yesterday was] also Earth Day."

Other dignitaries on hand for the event included Acting Premier and Minister of Education, El James and Acting Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva who, like Sir Richard, arrived in cars escorted by a Police motorcade. St. George's Mayor Mariea Caisey stood out, arriving via horse-drawn carriage.