Afyah and J’Khoy Frett help cut a ribbon to officially signify the start of the August Emancipation Festival during a ceremony on Monday at the Iris Freeman Festiville. The ceremony followed a Torch Light Procession. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG

“Sixty years of freedom, 60 years of fun, 60 years parading through Road Town,” fungi singer and historian Elmore Stout sang as he helped lead a group of about 40 people across Wickhams Cay during a Torch Light Procession on Monday evening.

 

Afyah and J’Khoy Frett help cut a ribbon to officially signify the start of the August Emancipation Festival during a ceremony on Monday at the Iris Freeman Festiville. The ceremony followed a Torch Light Procession. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG
The march was the first official event for the August Emancipation Festival celebrations.

Attendees carried bamboo lamps through the capital before joining hundreds of residents gathered for an opening ceremony at the Festival Village named in honour of Iris Freeman, a chef and long-time Festival supporter.

As Ms. Freeman and members of the Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee sat on stage, smoke from grills rose into the air from many of the 26 colourful booths in the village.

After the ceremony, performers including Trinidad soca artist Destra Garcia took the stage until early the next morning.

Festival events will be held daily in Road Town through Aug. 5, when they will move to East End for two days. Celebrations in Carrot Bay will follow from Aug. 7-8, and a grand finale will be held in Road Town on Aug. 9.

See the July 31, 2014 edition for full coverage.

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