Good morning everyone, and happy Heritage Month.

Thank you for joining us as we look ahead to the 2026 Bermuda Day Parade.

This year’s theme, “For The Culture”, reflects the energy, creativity, and community spirit that make Bermuda Day one of the most special days on our calendar. From majorettes to floats, Gombeys to dance groups, schools and community organisations, people across Bermuda have been working hard for months preparing to put on a great show for the island.

Bermuda Day has always been one of my favourite holidays because nowhere else do you see Bermuda celebrate “de culture” quite like this. So, for me personally, it is really special to serve as the Minister responsible for Culture and to be part of helping bring this day to life every year.

We are looking forward to another exciting celebration of Bermudian culture and heritage, and I encourage the public to come out early, support the participants, pack a picnic, wave your flags, and enjoy the day responsibly.

At the same time, Bermuda Day is a very large operational event, and public safety remains a major priority for all agencies involved. We are asking everyone to work with us to help make the day safe and enjoyable for all.

Please remain off the parade route unless crossing safely when directed, avoid blocking intersections, and try not to step into moving sections of the parade for photos and videos. We know the content is important, but we promise the parade will still look good from the side of the road.

Parents and guardians are also encouraged to keep a close eye on children, particularly near moving vehicles and active parade groups.

We are also asking the public to pack a little patience along with the picnic baskets this year. Bermuda Day is a long route, a long day, and a moving event with hundreds of participants. There may be pauses from time to time, but participants are being actively worked with in advance around spacing and parade flow to help minimise unnecessary delays and keep things moving as smoothly as possible.

I also want to make a special appeal to the public around our Gombey troupes, which are always among the most anticipated parts of the parade. We understand people are excited to interact with and support their favourite troupes, but when spectators stand in front of or around the troupes as they are moving, it can create significant gaps and delays in the parade flow.

We therefore ask the public to remain behind the Gombey troupes while they are performing and moving through the route, and to allow marshals, police, and parade officials clear access when needed.

After the success of last year, following the final Gombey troupe, which traditionally concludes the parade, there will be an approximate 30-minute break before the after-party soca truck proceeds along the route without stopping.

I want to acknowledge the various Bermuda Day race organisers and participants who continue to contribute to the excitement and tradition of the holiday each year, and we wish everyone taking part a safe and successful day.

Finally, I want to thank the Department of Culture team, all participating groups, City of Hamilton staff, emergency services, and the public for helping to make Bermuda Day a success year after year.

We look forward to seeing everyone out on Friday for another outstanding Bermuda Day celebration.

Thank you, and happy Bermuda Day.