Thousands enjoy the festivities at the National Trust Walkabout

Thousands enjoyed the festivities in St George’s last night as the Bermuda National Trust staged the 2013 Christmas Walkabout.

Organizers hailed the event as one of the most popular yet, as dry, temperate, conditions brought people from all over the island to visit the historic homes and buildings of the Olde Towne.

This year’s Walkabout proved so popular, traffic heading into St George’s was backed up several miles, as far as the Swizzle Inn at Bailey’s Bay.

Jennifer Gray, executive director of the Bermuda National Trust, said: “This year we’ve had more people than ever before attend the event. The numbers are in the thousands, based on the traffic problems, with cars backed up to the Swizzle Inn.

“But it’s been a beautiful night. I think it’s been absolutely magical.

“I’m very impressed with all the beautiful houses and the hosts have been incredible. They’ve really made a huge effort, and the decorations by the Garden Club of Bermuda were also phenomenal this year. They did an amazing job, with some exquisite features.”

She added: “But more than anything, everyone is happy. It warms my heart to see so many happy people in one place.

Period costume

“This year we also had people in period costume for the first time. People seemed to really like that, so that will be something we will look to expand on for next year.”

Up to five pairs of volunteers dressed in period costume to walk the streets selling raffle tickets, to raise funds for the charity.

Peter Frith, brother of St George’s Town Crier, David, was dressed as George Tucker, while Robert Chandler dressed as his brother Henry, of Tucker House.

Mr Frith, museums manager for the Trust, said: “This evening has gone extremely well. We are thrilled to see a lot of new faces, and it’s a young crowd as well, so it’s a good mix of people here.”

Among the festivities were performances from the Bermuda School of Music Suzuki Group, DanceSations, the Jackson School of Performing Arts, In Motion School of Dance, and the Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums and the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band.