Photos & Video: Bermuda Day Float Winners

“While there was a record amount of rainfall recorded that day, there was also a record amount of Bermudian spirit shown,” Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport Owen Darrell said as he hosted an award ceremony for the float winners of the 2023 Bermuda Day Parade.

A Government spokesperson said, “On Friday July 21st, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Sen. Owen Darrell, JP, hosted an award ceremony for the float winners of the 2023 Bermuda Day Parade. The award presentation took place at the Bermuda National Gallery. The Minister also highlighted the partnership between the Ministry and the Bermuda Foundation in launching the Bermuda Day Fund, in support of the Parade participants.

Video of the ceremony held:

Speaking at the event, Minister Of Youth, Culture And Sport Owen Darrell said, “Let me begin by first commending all the groups who took part in the spectacular Bermuda Day Parade! While there was a record amount of rainfall recorded that day, there was also a record amount of Bermudian spirit shown. Truly, all day, I felt proud to be Bermudian.

“There was something quite magical about seeing the dazzling costumes and energy showcased by the various dance groups despite the downpours. And the close of the parade featuring Gombeys without regalia, dancing through the rain with the crowds following them, really speaks to the spirit of a wonderful day.

“Today, we are gathered to acknowledge and highlight the float participants who spent many long hours creating remarkable displays of tradition and pageantry. I am very grateful to the judges who had to make some very difficult decisions this year.

A look at some of the 2023 Bermuda Day parade

“Before presenting the awards, I would like to acknowledge the success of the partnership between the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport and the Bermuda Foundation in launching the Bermuda Day Fund, in support of Bermuda Day Parade participants.

“While Bermuda Day is a day of fun and excitement for those who are cheering on their fellow Bermudians from the sidelines, we know that for those who are participating in the Bermuda Day Parade, this can be quite an expensive endeavor. Groups were able to apply for up to $2,500 of funding to help offset costs of parade participation, including costumes, truck rentals, and float building materials.

“I am proud to announce that 11 Bermuda Day groups received funding; and hope to grow that number in 2024, to encourage even more participation in the Bermuda Day Parade. On behalf of the funding recipients, I would like to sincerely thank the donors that made this possible:

• Government of Bermuda
• Durhager Family Programme Fund
• Quig Family Fund
• Mrs. Amanda Outerbridge made possible by the Board & Employee Designated Gift Fund
• Bermuda Foundation Community Impact Funds
• Agam Bermuda Ltd
• Mosaic Insurance Holdings Limited
• Ms. Jamie Gutteridge
• Mr. & Mrs. Rob & Sarah Marcotte
• Skyport

“Donations are still open on GiveBermuda.org, so if anyone is looking to give in advance of the 2024 Bermuda Day Parade, the opportunity is available!

“Now…on to the awards:

“In the Natural Heritage Float Category, the design had to be related to the Bermuda Day theme: “A Bermudian Renaissance”.

“The criteria for this category states that all decorated areas must be fully covered with natural materials and that local flora should be used as much as possible.

• In first place for the Natural Heritage Float category is – The Berkeley Educational Society
• Natural Heritage Float- 2nd Place – Vasco da Gama Club in conjunction with the Portuguese Cultural Association
• Natural Heritage Float- 3rd Place – One Body in Christ’s Movement For God’s Purpose

“Next is the Art Float Category. This could be either a collection of displayed art works, a painted mural, or sculpture.

• Art Float- 1st Place – IMPACT Mentoring Academy
• Art Float – 2nd Place – Department of Culture

“And for the Upcycled Float Winner – St. George’s Dancerettes

“This year the Department of Culture collaborated with the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Education to create traditional box carts for primary schools to enter in the parade. The winners in the Primary School Box Cart Category are:

• Box Cart- 1st Place – St. David’s Primary
• Box Cart- 2nd Place – Harrington Sound Primary School
• Box Cart- 3rd Place – Francis Patton Primary School
• Box Cart- Honourable Mention – Paget Primary School

“And now I will turn to the Special Awards… our winners are as follows:

• Premier’s Award for Best Float: The Berkeley Educational Society
• Reggie Ming Award for Most Beautiful Float: IMPACT Mentoring Academy
• Minister’s Award for Most Original Float: One Body in Christ’s Movement For God’s Purpose
• Ruth Thomas Award for Best Heritage Float: The Berkeley Educational Society
• Dr. Kenneth E. Robinson Award for Best Primary School: St. David’s Primary
• Dr. J. Williams Award for Best Middle School Float: IMPACT Mentoring Academy
• Dr. Marjorie Bean Award for Best High School Float: The Berkeley Educational Society
• Mrs. J.J. Outerbridge Award for Best Individual Float: Bermuda Motocross Association
• LCCA Award for Best Charity Float: Vasco da Gama Club in conjunction with the Portuguese Cultural Association
• The Bermudian Excellence Award: Paget Primary School: A tribute to Marco Warren

“That completes the awards presentation.

“Congratulations to you all and thank you once again for your contributions in making this year’s Bermuda Day Parade another successful and enjoyable occasion.”

For extensive coverage of Bermuda Day spanning over a decade, visit our website BDADay.com, the island’s most comprehensive resource on the Bermuda Day holiday.

• Over 6,000 photos here
• Over 150 videos here
• Holiday graphics here
• History of the race here
• Bermuda Day Timeline here
• Dedicated website: BDADay.com

#AwardWinners #May24thHoliday

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