From Bermuda's 'biggest block party' to having Blackberry as a lead sponsor, the Chamber of Commerce plans to wow you with extravagant Harbour Nights this year.

The event starts this Wednesday and will run for an unprecedented 20 weeks this year as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.

This Wednesday, popular MC Nadanja will host and there will be performances by the H & H Gombeys, steel pan soloist Carl Rodney and the Kennel Boys.

Cruisers on the Veendam are in for a special welcome too, as the opening Harbour Night coincides - intentionally - with the ship's first visit to Bermuda this year. The Chamber says this is particularly poignant given this is to be the ship's last year in Bermuda.

Chamber President Buddy Rego explained their plans for the summer: "Harbour Nights is a quintessential part of Bermuda's way of life and an important part of the summer calendar. This year we have decided to celebrate the event's 20th anniversary with a full 20-week schedule. It is a very aggressive target and we are still in the process of raising much needed funds to ensure we can meet our obligations, but we have made a commitment and we have every intention of honouring it."

For the first time, Research in Motion - which manufactures the Blackberry - has stepped in as a lead sponsor. The Department of Tourism will be the event's title sponsor and other lead sponsors include the City of Hamilton and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Mr Rego said, "Having this massive international brand associated with the event is a tremendous coup not only for The Chamber, but Bermuda as a whole. Our thanks also go out to Butterfield Bank, BELCO and the members of the Chamber's Restaurant Division for their support and sponsorship."

More sponsors are expected to be announced as the season continues.

Chamber EVP Joanne MacPhee said, "The Chamber has selected Great Sound as production partners this year and we are looking forward with great anticipation to the 'wow factor' they will certainly bring to the event."

While the weekly street festivals will be exciting, the Chamber is already gearing up for an amazing event on July 4.

Mrs. MacPhee says, "We hope to turn Front Street into Main Street USA and throw the biggest block party Bermuda has ever seen. We are not giving away all our secrets just yet, but watch this space, because it is going to be something very special!"

Anyone wishing to participate in Harbour Nights as a sponsor, entertainer or vendor, is encouraged to contact Event Coordinator Stacey Medeiros-Cooke at The Chamber 295 4201.