It’s one of the biggest events of the year in the British Virgin Islands: the Emancipation Celebrations, the festival season that lasts from July 30 to Aug. 12.

This year’s festival will be held under the theme “A Colorful kaleidoscope to be Seen, Creating a Cultural Scene for Festival 2017,” with a host of events from cultural nights to calypso concerts.

This year’s festival honoree is the late Neil Blyden, aka Mr. Melee, for whom the Road Town Village is named this year.

Blyden was instrumental in staging festivals across the Virgin Islands and developing the territory’s local artists.

“This year’s honoree is quite fitting. Mr. Melee could always be counted on for his expert advice in productions, access to his international connections, and for promoting festival continuously and without favor on his radio station,” said Trefor Grant, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee.

The Carrot Cultural Fiesta Fisherman Tournament Sub-Committee will be honoring Mr. Oliver “Ollie” Turnbull as this 2017 honoree.

For up to date information and event line up go here:  https://www.facebook.com/VirginIslandsFestival

— CJ Staff