There will be no entry fee for troupes participating in this year’s Emancipation Festival parade, however participation prizes will still be awarded.
This was one of the changes announced by members of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee on Monday, July 11 during the first official press briefing for the event.
The BVI Tourist Board’s Representative for the festival Lynette Harrigan said that neighbouring islands have already shown interest in entering troupes into the parade.
She also encouraged more residents to sign up their respective troupes.
Chairman of the Festival and Fairs Committee Dirk Walters also revealed that water activities will be returning to this year’s Emancipation Festiville.
He said it will be an addition to the Carrot Bay cultural day of activities on Friday, August 5.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chair of the Committee Birch Lettsome said that there will be a new route for the East End Long Look Rise and Shine Tramp.
As opposed to taking the traditional route and ending at the East End Festival Ground, the new route will end at the Brandywine Bay beach.