5th Annual Bermuda International Love Festival

Stormy weather could not keep the love away from the Department of Tourism’s 5th Annual Bermuda International Love Festival held this past weekend at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown, JP, MP said, “Although snow caused some flight cancellations in the US and prevented many couples from attending, the visitors that were able to get here had a great time. I have to say that this year was one of the best!”

The weekend’s activities kicked off with a Welcome Reception, hosted by the Premier and the Best of the Best Awards, sponsored by Robb Report at the Tucker’s Point Club. The Wycliffe Gordon Quartet’s rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” was a big hit with attendees.

The weekend wind and rain disrupted some of the planned outdoor activities however the quick-thinking Love Marshals saved the day, arranging a tour to the Crystal Caves and offering movie tickets to the romantic comedy, Valentine’s Day. Saturday night guests enjoyed a private dinner at the Port O’Call restaurant and then were whisked away on the Love Buses to the Fairmont Southampton to be serenaded by local entertainers and R&B crooner Babyface at the Kappa Valentine Night.

On Sunday afternoon, Love Festival attendees were treated to brunch at Masterworks with entertainment by Bermuda songbird, Toni Robinson. The Premier and his wife, Wanda Henton Brown honoured two couples who have attended the Love Festival each year since its inception five years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Tuzo, a local couple, have been married for sixty years, said they have a great time every year. Mr. and Mrs. Mikan vanZanten flew all the way from Holland the first year of the festival and have since moved to New York City, but they make sure the Love Festival stays in their travel plans as this weekend coincides with their wedding anniversary.

Sunday night was for lovers only and guests dined in the Harbourview Ballroom at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on an exquisite meal especially prepared by the chef for Valentine’s Day. Guests were treated to a romantic dessert collection prepared by the ‘Chef of Love’ Jernard Wells. The evening ended with entertainment by legendary baritone legend, Chuck Jackson and guests danced the night away to hits such as ‘Any Day Now’ and ‘I don’t want to Cry’.

Tags: Bermuda Department Of Tourism, Bermuda International Love Festival, Crystal Caves, Ewart Brown, Fairmont Southampton, Hamilton Princess, Port O Call, Premier, Tuckers Point Club