Chamber upbeat ahead of new Harbour Nights season

MONDAY, APR. 23: Harbour Nights will kick off for the summer season on Wednesday night.

This is the 20th anniversary of the popular event and the Chamber of Commerce is planning to make the season memorable.

Buddy Rego, president of the Chamber said: “Harbour Nights is a quintessential part of Bermuda’s way of life and an important part of the summer calendar.

“This year we have decided to celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary with a full 20-week schedule. It is a very aggressive target and we are still in the process of raising much-needed funds to ensure we can meet our obligations, but we have made a commitment and we have every intention of honouring it.

 “The Department of Tourism has come onboard as our title sponsor and we are very grateful for their continued support.

“We are also very excited to announce that Research In Motion (RIM), a global leader in wireless innovation, and manufacturers of the revolutionary BlackBerry®, will be one of our lead sponsors, alongside the City of Hamilton and Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Mr Rego continued: “Having this massive international brand associated with the event is a tremendous coup not only for the Chamber, but Bermuda as a whole.

“Our thanks also go out to Butterfield Bank, BELCO and the members of the Chamber’s restaurant division for their support and sponsorship.”

Joanne MacPhee, Chamber EVP, said additional sponsorship announcements are expected in the weeks to come as the event gears up for a very full season.

“The Chamber has selected Great Sound as production partners this year and we are looking forward with great anticipation to the ‘wow factor’ they will certainly bring to the event. 

“The Chamber is particularly excited about their plans for July 4, which happens to fall on a Wednesday this year.

“We hope to turn Front Street into Main Street USA and throw the biggest block party Bermuda has ever seen.

“We are not giving away all our secrets just yet, but watch this space, because it is going to be something very special.”

The start of Harbour Nights intentionally coincides with the first voyage of the Veendam, which will be docked in Hamilton.

This is particularly poignant as it will be the ship’s last year in Bermuda. 

Popular MC Nadanja will open Wednesday’s event with performances by the H & H Gombeys, Carl Rodney, Steel Pan soloist and the Kennel Boys.