ANTIGUA & BARBUDA INDEPENDENCE FESTIVAL

On Thursday 22 October 2015, the Antigua and Babruda Festivals Commission successfully hosted the 34th Independence Anniversary Celebration Launch at the Multipurpose Cultural & Exhibition Center.

In attendance included, Minister of Sports, Culture and National Festivals, Hon. E. P Chet Greene; Cliff Williams Chairman of the ABFC; Senator Colin James and Lionel “Max” Hurst, Chief Of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Of Antigua & Barbuda.

During the launch of the 2015 Independence Festivities, hosts, Mrs Jermila Kirwan-Henriques and Dr Eldean Eudelle had the opportunity to interview the various Independence subcommittee chairpersons to gain insight on their plans for this year's events.  

Highlights of the evening's interviews were a few changes that were made to the schedule. These included the addition of the Independence Calypso Competition Tent to be held on Saturday 24th at the Culture Division on Lower Nevis Street, due to the overwhelming number of registrants; a new venue for the CIBC First Caribbean International Bank Festival of Choirs now being held at the Spring Gardens Moravian Church, and the Independence Fashion Show being moved to Friday 6th November at 8:00 pm -$25 and Sunday 8th November at 7:00 pm -$30 at the Multipurpose Cultural & Exhibition Center.

The 34th Independence Celebration Calendar was released a few weeks ago highlighting a packed schedule for Antigua and Barbuda. This year's calendar features a series of events geared towards all Antiguans and Barbudans inclusive of Antigua Then presentations, Golden Memories, an Independence Calypso Monarch Competition, Junior Panorama, National Youth Rally, Panache, Independence Food Fair, and specific days to recognize the decorative efforts of businesses.

In addition to the schedule, an Independence Celebration concert is slated for Sunday 1 November which features Third World and Antigua's very own Reggae icon, Causion, young sensation out of Jamaica, Kalado, out of Antigua, Idus and MnM Music Group.  

Barbuda's schedule is also inclusive of series of events namely the Fishing Tournament, Softball Cricket Match, Basketball Knockout Tournament, Independence Culture Night, and a Gospel Concert that promises to be quite memorable for the sister isle.

Under the theme, "Antigua and Barbuda: Rebuilding with Unity and Purpose" the 34th Independence Anniversary celebration has extended its schedule to feature the Fusion Music Festival and the Independence Car Racing.
 
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, under the auspices of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is extending an open invitation to all citizens to support and enjoy the events for this year’s Independence Anniversary Celebration.