City lights up for Christmas

The 19th annual tree lighting ceremony went off without a hitch this evening as the giant Christmas tree at City Hall lit up with applause from the crowd.

Close to 300 people attended the tree lighting, which saw performances by BHS, Saltus, Sia Spence, The Bermuda Regiment Band with the Island Pipe Band and the Menuhin Foundation.

Hamilton mayor Graeme Outerbridge welcomed the crowd and thanked the organisers for planning the event.

"When you think of Santa and what you are going to get, just think about what you are going to give,” he said.

"It's a great season.  It's nice to see all the families out."

Dr Ian Fulton, chairman of the Friends of Hospice who helps to organize the event, said: "On behalf of the Friends of Hospice, welcome to the 19th annual tree of lights ceremony.

"Friends of Hospice has a special way of remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us.

"Every year we watch the lighting of the tree and each light is dedicated to the memory of our loved ones."

Dr Fulton and Mr Outerbridge then lit the tree together to oohs and aahs from the crowd.