The sun is out, the May 24 festivities are under way, and award winners have been announced as follows for Bermuda Day:

• Natural Heritage Float: first — Department of Corrections

• Natural Heritage Float: second — Sandys Middle School

• Natural Heritage Float: third — Bermuda Public Services Union

• Upcycled Float: float — Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club

• Art Float: first — House of Azores

• Art Float: second — X-Road Warriors

• Art Float: third — Lotus Mind Body Spirit Wellness Centre

Special Awards (Open to all judged categories):

• Premier's Award for Best Float (open for all three float categories) — Department of Corrections

• Reggie Ming Award for Most Beautiful Float (open for all three float categories) — Sandys Middle School

• Minister's Award for Most Original Float (open for all three float categories) — Bermuda Public Services Union

• Ruth Thomas Award for Best Heritage Float (open for Natural Heritage float category) — Roots to Shoots to Fruits: Profiles of Sportsmanship

• Dr J Williams Award for Best Middle School Float — Sandys Middle School

• Best Government Department — Department of Community and Cultural Affairs

• Mrs JJ Outerbridge Award for Best Individual Float — Driving Instructor's Association

• LCCA Award for Best Charity Float — Portuguese Cultural Association & Vasco da Gama

• Chamber of Commerce Award for Best Corporate Float — Johns Hopkins Medicine International.

At a press conference today, culture minister Nandi Outerbridge stated: “I want to thank all parade participants and spectators for their contributions in making this year's Bermuda Day Parade another successful and enjoyable occasion.

“From the military precision of the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band, to the spectacular costumes and choreography showcased by the various dance groups, to the wonderful display of tradition from six Gombey troupes closing out the parade, I think we can all agree that it was a fabulous day.”