This year's Annual Exhibition attracted 6,000 more visitors than last year, demonstrating that scaremongering e-mails about potential gang violence did nothing to dent attendance.

Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney revealed last night that the three-day event, which ran Thursday to Saturday, attracted 31,000 people.

He told The Royal Gazette: "The Ag show is truly a community event and was an overwhelming success in terms of the level of all-round participation from those that entered exhibits to those that attended and enjoyed family, friends and general Bermudian congeniality.

"Moreover, this manifestation was evident despite the curious e-mail alarm that was widely distributed and proved grossly exaggerated, but which we took seriously enough to investigate with the cooperation of the law enforcement agents."

An e-mail circulated the Island in the days before the show warning that gang members were planning random acts of violence. It was forwarded multiple times to this newspaper and even prompted a Police spokesperson to take to the radio airwaves to dispel the allegations.

However, in the light of recent gang violence which has led to seven gun murders in the past 12 months the show had a heavy security presence. Private security staff patrolled the perimeter of the Botanical Gardens while Police manned entrances, accompanied by CCTV cameras. Visitors were searched on their way in with the aid of metal detectors.

Celebrating the fact that the event was entirely trouble-free in the end, Mr. Blakeney said last night: "Thirty-one thousand people attended this year, which was up by six thousand over last year and I'm quite pleased that we made an early decision to augment the Police presence and (implement) additional security measures in cooperation with the Commissioner of Police and Minister David Burch."

He added: "The atmosphere was exemplary and not even an unfounded rumour could remotely dampen the incredible community spirit that permeated the event."

Mr. Blakeney said charity concessions enjoyed success due to the visitor turnout "and of course the racing pigs were the star attraction and a huge fan favourite".

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said: "There was a robust Police presence at this year's Exhibition in light of recent events.

"The three-day event took place without incident and the Bermuda Police Service would like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience with the increased security measures."