Junior Minister of Culture Thaao Dill spoke about the success of Seniors' Week and July events planned as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations in the Senate.

Seniors' Week kicked off last week Sunday with a tea at the Botanical Gardens.

That event was followed by a jazz concert with Tony Bari, Howard Rego, Milt Robinson, Tamahl Graham and Tiny Burgess. There was also a talent show, craft exhibition, fashion show and picnic.

Sen. Dill said in the Senate on Wednesday: "This week of activities gave us the opportunity to reflect upon the tremendous changes that Bermuda has seen throughout the course of our Island's development and to consider the importance of our traditions on our daily life."

July marks the actual anniversary of Bermuda's founding. As such, events planned for this month are designed to include the entire family, said Sen. Dill. "A key event during Anniversary Month is the re-enactment play 'Wrecked on the Rock', which will take place within the grounds of Fort St. Catherine itself until July 11 after beginning on the 6th.

"This re-enactment will look at the life of the Sea Venture survivors during their first ten months in Bermuda."

Sen. Dill also spoke about events that took place last week including Dr. Eva Hodgson's special presentation of her book, 'A Storm In a Teacup', the opening of the Verdmont exhibit 'The House and its People' and the 50th anniversary of the 1959 theatre boycott.

Anniversary week itself is July 25 to August 1. Spirit of Bermuda will take guests out to the Sea Venture wreck site as part of Somers Day celebrations. In addition, there will be a parade into the Town of St. George's for evening festivities, which will end in fireworks.

On August 1, Emancipation Day will be celebrated at the Botanical Gardens with Gombeys, African dance, and more. Sen. Dill thanked steering committee chairperson Conchita Ming and members of the committee for their hard work.