Well balanced line-up of artistes for 65th Emancipation Festival
The local and overseas acts were named by Chairman of the Entertainment Committee of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), Stewart Donovan, at the VIF&FC press conference held at the Ward’s Building on Wednesday June 26, 2019.
Announcing the line-up of activities, Mr Donovan noted that the festivities will include a varied spread of entertainment in the likes of Latin and Zouk Night, Youth Night, Culture nights, Fungi, steel pan, international reggae, Soca monarch, and calypso show, just to name a few.
In a video display, the international line-up was released, naming Jamaican dancehall star Andrae H. Sutherland aka ‘Popcaan’, reggae artiste Omar Riley aka ‘Tarrus Riley’, Trinidad and Tobago soca legend Machel Montano, the ever popular Destra Garcia and Calypso veteran Timothy Watkins aka ‘Baron’, among others.
A Colourful Cultural Vibe as BVI Festival turns 65
The slogan for this year’s festivities is “A Colourful Cultural Vibe as BVI Festival turns 65”. The slogan was submitted by Khadejae Hull.
The theme, which was written by Tonya Vanterpool, is “BVI Festival 2019: Honouring all generations – Let’s commemorate the 65th emancipation celebration”.
The celebrations, which are scheduled to run from July 25 to August 10, 2019 also sees the addition of a wet fete. According to Mr Donovan, this is scheduled for the morning of August Tuesday. “We’ll have Asa Bantan performing for that along with the ABN Band,” he said.
Gospel Fest
However, the celebrations will get started on a religious note with the annual Gospel Fest on July 25, 2019 followed by the opening of the Road Town Festival Village, which will remain open from July 26 to August 6. The festival will be named in honor of “Prime Time Band”.
August 1 will feature the annual Calypso Show, with some 10 participants competing for this year’s crown and a cash prize of $7,500. They are Redo, Mighty Lay Lay, Princess Dede, King Henry, Falco, King Paido, Macko, Young Blood, Michelle and Lady Liberty.
The first and second runner-ups will be awarded cash prizes of $3,500 and $2,500, respectively.
The Soca Monarch competition, featuring JJ, Makisha, Mr Blues, Teejay, Ramon, Jammie Twitt and Pascal is set for August 7.
East End activities
The highly anticipated activities for the festival in East End is set to begin on July 28 and will feature the Mr and Ms Junior BVI pageant and the Festival of Culture and Praise and a Food Fair on August 3.
On August 4 there will be a beach picnic at long Bay Beach at Beef Island and the Rise and Shine Tramp is happening on August 5.
The East End Parade is yet to be confirmed.
Carrot Bay activities
On the Western End of Tortola, at Carrot Bay, there will be a return to three days of activities and will feature a Cultural Fiesta and the Oliver ‘Ollie’ Turnbull Fishermen’s Tournament on August 8, Cultural Activities Day on August 9, and Cultural Market Day on August 10.
Kiddies Fiesta
Kiddies Fiesta Returns is set for July 20 will see the distribution of back-to-school giveaways made possible by sponsorship from various organisations, including the Rotary Club of Road Town.
Troops galore
On the other hand, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Parade (VIFF) Sub-committee, Mr Ottley Hodge announced an increase of troops for the August Monday Parade this year.
The committee is also moving to erect some three stalls to accommodate persons along the roadways.
Mr Hodge said the cost to run the August Monday Parade is more than $100,000 and the Committee will be conducting a couple of fundraisers.
One of them is a Celebratory Dinner under the theme: -“Honouring all generations: Let’s commemorate the 65th Emancipation Celebration.”
The event will be held on Sunday, July 14 at the Mariner Inn (The Moorings) at 6:30 pm.
The honourees are Kenisha Sprauve, Jasmine Brewley, Myron Rubaine, Lashing Dogs, Xtreme Band and Heritage Dancers.
Mr Hodge said the honourees deserved to be recognised for their outstanding work over the years.
“They have displayed their love for community by positively contributing to our annual festivities. I am pleased that these individuals will be honoured for their efforts, as they rightfully should be.”
Meanwhile, Government will be plugging some $1.3M into the 65th Emancipation Festival, along with additional input from potential and committed sponsors, according to the subject Minister, Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (D7).
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13 Responses to “Well balanced line-up of artistes for 65th Emancipation Festival”
Big Ups and Congrats to all those who have contributed to the line up of these Big Shots!! BVI on the Move and no one stopping us now