NELSONS DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK

NEWS AND SPECIALS

Back to Nelsons Dockyard National Park

DOCKYARD HOSTS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE CHRISTMAS PARTIES IN THE WORLD
Wednesday 22nd December 2010

The annual Nelson’s Dockyard Champagne Party has, so says organizer Hans Smit, been described as “the fifth best Christmas party in the World”.

That’s pretty cool, right?

It certainly sounds like one of the most fun places to be, on one of the most festive days of the year, Christmas Day; and it’s all for a worthy cause…well, several worthy causes. All proceeds benefit the Hourglass Foundation which in turn assists other charitable projects. Started by Goldsmitty owner, Smit, in 1993, the Hourglass Foundation was instrumental in setting up the Crossroads rehabilitation centre, and has financially assisted Amazing Grace, Hero House, Women Against Rape [WAR] and others. In 2011, it’s expected to extend its good graces to the St. John’s Hospice and the Boys’ Training School. The Christmas party is the Foundation’s major fundraiser and, says Smit, “It’s getting bigger every year.”

How big?

Think up to 500 bottles of champagne sold in a single day. Think people (and canines) dressed up in the colours and symbols of the season, toting picnic baskets and making a day of it, dancing and having a fine time, in the unique historic and maritime environment of the Dockyard as music – High Tempa and, possibly, the Methodist Church Steel Orchestra – plays. Think, for those miles away from home, having too much fun to be homesick. Think, for those based on island, a perfect outing after all the familial bonding. “It’s a very, very festive day in the Dockyard,” Smit says, noting that in spite of how big it’s grown, it remains a simple idea – “we just put up a tent and there is this dinghy filled with ice” and, of course, a lot of hard work.

The party begins just before noon and continues ‘til the last partier leaves. All are welcomed with a small $5 admission to assist with clean up costs. Don’t worry, the dinghy – restocked throughout the day – never runs dry.

See you there.
 


Click here for all News and Specials for Nelsons Dockyard National Park

 
connect with antiguanice.com
FacebookTwitterYoutubeNewsletterRSS

contact
ADDRESS: English Harbour
FIND US ON: Twitter
LOCATION: 1 View Map

news and specials

8TH MARCH PROJECT

Tuesday 5th March 2024
The National Parks Authority proudly announces the launch of the fifth edition of the 8th of March P...
Read More

URGENT CALL TO ACTION: SAFEGUARDING THE CLEANLINESS OF OUR COMMUNITY

Monday 4th March 2024
Urgent Call to Action: Safeguarding the Cleanliness of Our Community form the National Parks Authori...
Read More

DOW’S HILL SUMMER CLOSURE

Monday 28th August 2023
Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre will be closed from September 4th to November 5th 2023 for renova...
Read More

NPA SOLAR POWER STUDY

Monday 19th June 2023
Assessing the feasibility of Solar Tile Technology at the UNESCO World Heritage Nelson’s Dockyard ...
Read More

CELEBRATE DOCKYARD DAY

Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Antigua Sailing Week ends with Dockyard Day in Nelson’s Dockyard. A day of fun and celebration of...
Read More

All News Stories and Specials


photo gallery
Check out Christmas Day in Neslon's Dockyard click here View Image Gallery

whats on

CLARENCE HOUSE TOURS

Tuesday 19th March 2024, 9.30am & 3.00pm. Read More

CLARENCE HOUSE TOURS

Thursday 21st March 2024, 9.30am & 3.00pm. Read More

RUM IN THE RUINS

Friday 22nd March 2024, 5.00pm. Read More

CLARENCE HOUSE TOURS

Tuesday 26th March 2024, 9.30am & 3.00pm. Read More

CLARENCE HOUSE TOURS

Thursday 28th March 2024, 9.30am & 3.00pm. Read More

All Whats On Listings