16 June happens to be a public holiday across the Virgin Islands. It’s a day to celebrate the King’s birthday across the UK and it’s Territories. In the BVI, we’re celebrating the long holiday weekend with the Etana concert hosted by KT Productions. The concert will kick off a long summer of major events across the Territory.
The Etana concert is set for Friday 16 June at the Cyril B Romney Pier Park. Etana is a Jamaican born celebrated reggae artist and best known for hits such as Rise, Love Song and People Talk. She has been nominated twice for Grammys in the reggae genre - Best Reggae Album category. Tickets range from $40 up to $200 for the VIP exclusive experience. Tickets are available at Coconut Lounge and Hazem’s Beauty Supplies. If you are familiar with KT Productions, then you know it’s an event not to be missed.
With the close of schools imminent and graduations bringing the season to a close, summer goes into high gear; and the Virgin Islands has quite the line up of events to take us through the summer. A time when we celebrate our emancipation from slavery with our annual festival, this year we have just a tad bit more to celebrate with AA back in our destination, this time with daily direct flights to the islands.
Other Major Summer Events
The Non Stop Concert
Scheduled for June 30th at the festival grounds. A celebration of the AA non stop flights to the Virgin Islands. Event to feature Konshens, Monea, Rock City, VIBE and other local entertainers and DJs. Free to the public.
One VI Poker Run
The event returns on 2 July for its second year under the theme Run Wild & Free. The life of a Virgin Islander is boating and this event celebrates that very lifestyle. Sunday on the water is cultural. Paradise Bar & Lounge Cane Garden Bay is the beginning and culmination of the event, with Oceans Seven, Cyril B Romney Pier Park, Blunder Bay - Virgin Gorda and Great Harbour Jost Van Dyke being the major stops this year. Excitement on and off the water. Boat fun, live entertainment and fashion show.
All White & Glow Party
An addition to the event calendar this year. Happening at the Cyril B Romney Pier Park on 15 July. The event features the amazing Tshelle & Klimaxx Band, Xtreme, DJ Push Pop & DJ Grimm. Tickets are $50 and available at Caribbean Insurers Ltd.
Christmas In July
An annual event that has been on the BVI events calendar since 2007, where boaters from Puerto Rico and other nearby areas unite in the islands for a week of festivities. It is a tradition now considered a Tradition and continues to grown each year, attracting thousands of visitors and boaters to our shores. During the event, up to 2,000 people and 500 plus boats come together for a day of heart-pumping, hip-shaking, rum-swilling fun in Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda. The event is an opportunity for people to enjoy great music, food, and rum, and to celebrate the strong relationship between the people of Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. All are welcomed to attend.
Summer Sizzle BVI
Another staple event on the BVI events calendar. Summer Sizzle is a premier fashion and lifestyle event started in the summer of 2009. The 3 day weekend event features a plethora of stylish events culminating in a high fashion runway show featuring local and international designers and models. The likes of shows seen in New York, Paris and Milan. Packages and tickets range from $50 and up. Visit www.summersizzlebvi.com for information.
Emancipation Festival
A celebration of a free people. The Virgin Islands celebrates its freedom from slavery during the first week of August each year. In a fun packed celebration that begins one week prior, there is an element for everyone to enjoy; Pageants, Food Fairs, Jams (fete) upon jams, rise and shine tramps (J’ouvert), parades and full nights of entertainment at the Festival Village. Festival is scheduled for 28 July to 11 August and will feature artists such as Valiant, Morgan Heritage, Monea, Kes The Band, Jada Kingdom and much more. Of course including the Virgin Islands bands such as VIBE, Xtreme, ABM, OMG and many others. It’s a beautiful time of fun and fellowship.
Like the rest of the world, the Virgin Islands was deeply impacted by Covid-19. With the lifting of all Covid regulations both here, regionally, the US and other destinations, and now the addition of the AA daily direct flight via Miami, summer travel to and from the BVI is once again fully accessible.
In a press conference on 2 June, the Premier expressed interest in growing the event portfolio of the tourism product.