Despite looming grey clouds, high wind and some rain-showers, the streets of Hamilton were yesterday packed with spectators at the annual Bermuda Day parade.

Thousands of people lined the streets of the city to enjoy the extravagant floats, energetic majorettes, marching bands and the company of friends and family at the yearly event.

One Bermudian told the Royal Gazette that she had been holding her spot on Front Street since Thursday evening. She said her friends and family had been taking shifts to hold the spot — across the street from the Cabinet Building.

Patricia Saren, along with her friends and family, said she marked out her space of Front Street at 4 a.m. Thursday. With six tents containing friends and relatives from eight families, hers was one of the largest parties at the parade. Well prepared with a large table covered in food of all kinds, coolers, chairs and the camaraderie of friends and family she said it is one of the highlights of her year.

"We call this row of tents 'blessings boulevard'," said Ms Saren. "We have been doing this for almost 30 years now and we just love it. It is a lot of fun and always great to be out here with friends and family. The oldest member of our group is 87 and the youngest is two. We have people with us today from St. George's to Dockyard and even guests from Worcester, Massachusetts."

Ms Saren's guests from Massachusetts, the Houstons, have been coming to Bermuda every year for 35 years.

"This is the first time that we have been here for Bermuda Day," said Mr. Houston. "All the people that we have met in Bermuda over the years have been so warm, wonderful, friendly and loving people – we love it here."

Adrian Lynch and Rebecca Davis, a couple who recently moved to Bermuda, were attending their first Bermuda Day Parade yesterday.

"What is really nice about all this is seeing the families all out together," said Ms Davis. "The atmosphere is lovely. There are so many nice people around and they are all willing to chat to you – something that does not happen in a city like London — where we are from."

Governor Sir Richard Gozney and wife Lady Gozney were guests of honour at the parade along with Premier Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda. The two couples viewed the parade from the flagpole.

"This is our third Bermuda Day Parade," said Sir Richard. "This is an event for everyone – families, churches, schools, majorettes – there is room for everyone. People spend weeks planning and talking about what they are going to do on this day. It really brings people together."

Dr. Brown said he was impressed with the quality of the parade.

"Luckily the threat of weather has not affected the turnout today," he said. "I have really enjoyed the quality of all the floats and performances that I have seen so far."

He added: "In spite of the economic recession Bermudians are determined to not let anything interfere with their Bermuda Day."