Fireworks lit up the sky over Trellis Bay as revellers partied hard in ringing in the New Year. Photo:VINO

Patrons being served dinner at Captain Mulligans in Nanny Cay. Photo:VINO

A patron being assisted with his order over at Peg Legs on Old Year's Night. Photo:VINO

A young lady enjoying the entertainment at Captain Mulligan's. Photo:VINO

Moko Jumbies entertain a large crowd over at Trellis Bay on Old Year's Night. Photo:VINO

Mr & Mrs Strome on Old Year's Night. Photo:VINO

Virgin Islands News Online visited a number of those locations to catch a glimpse of the scenes, feel the atmosphere and talk to persons. Passing through the heart of Town there was not much activity as almost all of the businesses had closed their doors early, late Old Year's night shopping seemed to have been a thing of the past.

A few food bars were open and staff were busy with their preparations for the much anticipated after mid-night rush for a hot plate of food. "This is a usual thing down here, you be quiet now and the next moment after that stroke of midnight when the fire works and so done everybody want something nice and hot and I am here," said Sandrine Belfonte, a Road Town Business woman.

At the western side of Tortola persons started they parties early and Captain Mulligans and Peg Legs at Nanny Cay were the spots not to be missed. For this who chose to be at Captain Mulligans it was a night when there was no admission fee, a great low cost menu and free wine at midnight. Many persons were observed bar hopping between Captain Mulligans and Peg Legs, and we followed.

Trekking the gap between the two night spots, Virgin Islands News Online caught up with a few persons, mainly tourist, who were willing to comment on their expectations as they entered the New Year 2013 in the VI. Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Strome were one such couple. They hail from Canada and sailed to the VI where they are staying for six months. "We are old now, we had some fun and now we are heading back to our little boat where the New Year will break us,"Ms. Joanne Strome said.

She added, supported by her husband, that they would love to see the people of the Virgin Islands make full use of the vast potentials for development of the Islands. They said that they found persons to be very warm and friendly, "and they are so humble its a great place and we are sure that things will be even better once you keep focus and continue to work together as one," said Mr. Paul Strome as the couple embraced each other gently, kissed each other on the lips and saying "we are truly blessed to be here."

Another family welcomed being photographed in their final moments before the New Years. They were the Grovners who, while sitting on the deck of their sailboat sipping on canned juices and beers, said they would have been asleep at midnight.

At both bars the early part of the night was plastered with dining and a small level of mingling. The atmosphere was a totally different picture over at Trellis Bay where hundreds flocked, awaiting the fire works display moment. On the stroke of one minute after midnight the fire cannons went off and ball of fire works lit the sky. Everywhere there were cheers, persons embracing each other and the words "Happy New Year" could be heard in every corner.

Bands were in full blast as persons danced in the New Year, even the Moko Jumbies put on a splendid show. By 12:30 A.M. persons started heading for home especially those who were out with their children but as they left the party crew stormed in and for them it was to start the New Year in a happy and rejoicing note.