The International Day of the Family was celebrated with a Picnic in the Park yesterday.

The event was held by The Family Centre, which aimed to celebrate the spirit of family.

Yesterday was International Day of the Family worldwide and Bermuda contributed by promoting family fun and togetherness with a Picnic in the Park, sponsored by Allied World Assurance Company and the Department of Culture and Social Rehabilitation.

The festivities opened with welcome comments from sponsors of the event such as, the Vice Chairman of the Charity Committee of Allied World Assurance Company (AWAC), Wayne Dill.

Mr. Dill said: "We are pleased to be a part of the celebrations.

"At Allied World Assurance Company, we recognise the importance of families in Bermuda.

"The Family Centre is an organisation which is best recognised for implementing the family and family values, and we are pleased to be a part of this and lend support to them.

The Mayor of Hamilton, Sutherland Madeiros and Senator Thaao Dill, Junior Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation also gave formal welcomes and comments.

The events of the evening included a tree planting, a magic show, a cameo appearance by Heather Nova (local entertainer who is internationally recognised), The Secret Po Po (a local band) and much more.

"The goal of the International Family Day and this event, A Picnic in the Park, is to get people to stop what they are doing to take time out with the family. It is a free event so we always anticipate a big crowd," said Executive Director, Martha Dismont. "We usually get numbers around 150 to 200 people, with one year's attendance being 500. People usually come after work."

She added: "We are planting the tree as a symbol of something that will grow with family and last for a long time.

"We want to encourage families to spend quality time with each other as this is something that is lacking in today's society."