One of the popular floats at the 2015 August Monday Parade. The launch of the 2017 VI Emancipation Festival has been postponed from June 15, 2017 to June 30, 2017. Photo: VINO/File

According to Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Mr Trefor A. Grant, the launch of VI Festival 2017 was pushed back to have one festive event on June 30, 2017, the same date of the committee’s fundraiser. Photo: Provided/File

The reason, according to the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) is to have one festive event on June 30, 2017, the same date of the committee’s fundraiser.

“VI Festivals and Fairs Committee announces that is has moved its festival launch which was slated for tomorrow June 15^th to the public holiday of Friday June 30^th at the Festival Grounds starting at 8:00 PM,” Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee Mr Trefor A. Grant stated in a press release on June 14, 2017.

“We decided to combine the launch and the fundraiser to just make it into one festive event. There will be a D.J. bands, and food and drinks on sale.

CCT our Platinum sponsor will be on hand with great deals on the road to Festival. The contestants of the Miss BVI Pageant, Mr and Miss Jr BVI and the Prince and Princess shows will also be in attendance. In addition as an added feature, troupes participating in festival are invited to showcase their costumes and host their registration drive at the event as well. They can call the Department of Culture to request a table. We are urging all to come out and support us as we launch the official line up and raise funds for our festival!” Additional information will be given in a follow up release,” Mr Grant further stated.

Mr Neil A. Blyden to be honoured

Meanwhile, it was previously announced  that the late Mr Neil A. Blyden aka Mr Melee has been named as the honouree of the 2017 Emancipation Festival in Road Town.

Radio personality and businessman Mr Blyden, who passed away on January 1, 2017, was known for this contribution to the development of culture in the Virgin Islands.

This year’s Emancipation Celebrations will take place from Sunday, July 30, 2017 to Saturday August 12, 2017. The Official Opening Ceremony will take place on Monday, July 31, 2017, preceded by the Annual Torch Light Procession. Immediately following the Opening Ceremony, the village is expected to host one of its largest Cultural Nights.

East End Village will run from Tuesday, August 8 to Wednesday, August 9, 2017.

The Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta will be held from Thursday, August 10 to Friday, August 11, 2017.

This year’s combined theme and slogan for Emancipation Festival is: “A Colorful kaleidoscope to be Seen, Creating a Cultural Scene for Festival 2017”.