Hamilton Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda)

There are plenty of things to do in Bermuda throughout the year, thanks to the island's non-stop line-up of festivals. Most of the events either take place in Hamilton or at least pass through the city at some stage.

Major national holidays in Bermuda see offices close and friends and families get together, but much of what's on the agenda specifically targets tourists holidaying in Hamilton. Everything from bridge tournaments to dance exhibitions is on the schedule, so it pays to time your visit with an event that interests you. Notable celebrations include Heroes Day in June, Emancipation Day and Somers' Day each July, the International Sand Sculpture Competition in August, and the Bermuda Music Festival every September.

Hamilton Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• New Year's Day - January 1st, a public holiday throughout Bermuda
• Bermuda Marathon Weekend - held third weekend of the month. A three day event including a 10K and 10K walk, the Bermuda Triangle, Invitational Mile, a Half Marathon and Marathon
• Annual Bermuda Bridge Tournament - late January, this prestigious bridge tournament attracts hundreds of competitors from around the world

February

• Bermuda Festival of Performing Arts - a world-class performance event three decades in the making
• Love Festival - February 12th to 14th, a romantic line-up of parties and concerts, with local hotels offering Valentines Day promotions for couples

March

• Bermuda Magic Fest - professional magicians and local amateurs convene for exhibitions and workshops
• Bermuda International Film Festival - screens seven feature films, as well as many documentaries and dozens of short films, all of which are independently produced

April

• Good Friday - locals traditionally eat codfish cakes and hot cross buns. Kite flying is another popular activity that takes place around Bermuda at Easter time
• Beating Retreat Ceremony - held from May to early September, this event dates back to the 17th century and features frequent marching band processions and concerts, together with many military traditions and performances by the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band

May

• Bermuda Day - May 24th, with a big parade through the city centre, along with dinghy races and a half marathon. Bermuda Day was formerly named Commonwealth Day, Empire Day and Victoria Day
• Bermuda End-to-End - participants cross the island on foot, although cycling, padding and swimming are also included in the line-up

June

• Heroes Day - third Monday each June, this day originally celebrated the queen's birthday and now features outdoor activities and a procession. Heroes Day is a relatively new national holiday in Bermuda, being first held in 2008

July

• Emancipation Day - late July, this day pays tribute to the historic freeing of slaves in Bermuda. This is also the first day of the two-day Cup Match cricket tournament
• Somers' Day - late July, a celebration of the founding of first Bermudan colony when Sir George Somers shipwrecked here en route to Jamestown. Somers' Day marks the second and final day of the Cup Match

August

• Mambo Nights - an enjoyable annual dance exhibition held in the Mid-Ocean Amphitheatre
• International Sand Sculpture Competition - anyone can enter this contest and winning contestants receive cash prizes for the best sand sculpture built in one day

September

• Labour Day - early September, a march originating in Hamilton's Union Square and continuing on to Bernard Park. Various exhibitions, a food market and prizes are always involved. Labour Day was founded in 1982 and has been held annually ever since
• Bermuda Music Festival - late September, a well-publicised event featuring big names in the world of reggae and R&B

October

• Gombey Festival - centred on the iconic Gombey dance, with its West African roots. There is always much dancing and singing during this Bermudan folk celebration, which takes place each October in the City Hall car park

November

• Remembrance Day - November 11th, remembers wartime heroes and the fact that Bermuda sent more soldiers per capita into WWII than any other Commonwealth country
• Rugby Classic - a major sporting event that draws plenty of international rugby teams and fans to Bermuda

December

• Christmas Boat Parade - a regatta of festive boats take to Hamilton Bay. Both Christmas Day and Boxing Day are treated as national Burmudan holidays
• New Year's Eve - December 31st, visitors to Bermuda will find plenty of parties in the city to enjoy, particularly around Front Street, while the fireworks over St. George's Harbour are not to be missed. At midnight, crowds gather around the flagpole on the corner of Front Street and Burnaby Street