Shirley Heights offers one of the most spectacular views any where in the Caribbean. High above English Harbour with the entire Antigua Sailing Week fleet below, a magical night started as the sun set over Montserrat in the distance.
Shirley Heights was jam-packed with over 2,000 people for an unforgettable concert. Freestyle jamming reggae band Hygh Tempa started the proceedings with a high-energy set as the huge crowd flowed into the gig. For 25 years, Shirley Heights Lookout has been the spot for some very special occasions and last night’s concert must surely rank amongst them.
The gig featured a specially constructed stage for the occasion and Itchy Feet blasted into action with a foot-tapping rendition of George Michael’s Faith. With the crowd filling in the chorus, it wasn’t long before the partygoers were jumping around in front of the main stage while Itchy Feet reeled off their impressive repertoire of legendary songs. They were a class act with hits from the 80’s upwards played with heart and precision from rock and soca to reggae.
The special stage was not the only special edition for the concert. The Chivas Lounge was buzzing with VIPs including Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, The Honorable Minister John Maginley.
Meanwhile, back at Shirley Heights Itchy Feet continued its two-hour set to warm up the crowd for the main event, Maxi Priest.
Maxi Priest has a distinctive style of reggae fusion with a huge string of hits on both sides of the Atlantic and he was in top form last night. Kicking off with House Call, the smash hit with Shabba Ranks, the arena was highly charged from the get go. Wild World, and Some Guys Have All the Luck really pumped the crowd, which were swaying to the music long into the night. Maxi Priest topped off what proved to be a spectacular night at Shirley Heights.
Afterwards, Abracadabra Night Club was busy and packed with Antigua Sailing Week competitors. The nightclub was a lively scene until the wee hours of the morning.
There was no racing today but the Lay Day events at Antigua Yachting Club Marina in conjunction with Antigua Yacht Club provided some laughs this afternoon with music from Chickie Hi-Fi and and a Steel Orchestra and the return of the greasy pole and wet T-shirt competition. Watch this space for the full story tomorrow morning!
