The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is gearing up for the highly anticipated return of the BVI Literary Arts Festival (BVI Lit Fest) from 7th to 10th November 2024 – now in its fourth year and third in-person edition.
The four-day event, themed “Roots to Routes” and hosted as part of the BVI’s Culture and Tourism Month activities, promises an impressive lineup of literary talent and artistic voices, all set against the stunning backdrop of the British Virgin Islands.
Chair of the BVI Lit Fest Committee, Mrs. Safiya Smith shared the significance of this year’s theme as an acknowledgement of both the historical and creative pathways that link us, while celebrating the vibrant cultures and stories that make the BVI unique.
Mrs. Smith said, “Our themes are carefully curated each year to foster deep connections among students, the faculty and staff at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, our sponsors, collaborating artists, and the wider arts community in the BVI and abroad.”
“By focusing on topics like sustainability narratives and literature’s global reach, the BVI Lit Fest remains dynamic and relevant, addressing key global issues while celebrating the interconnectedness of diverse cultures. Digital storytelling and artistic expression continue to be central to the festival’s mission,” Smith added.
The 2024 BVI Lit Fest boasts a powerful roster of literary headliners, including:
• Safiya Sinclair: Jamaican Poet, Memoirist, and winner of the Schooner Book Prize, Whiting Award, and OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature.
• David Olusoga, OBE: BAFTA-award winning Historian and Broadcaster and author of Black and British.
• Jason Allen-Paisant: Winner of the 2023 T.S. Eliot Prize for his poetry collection, Self Portrait as Othello.
• Celeste Mohammed: Winner of the 2022 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature and finalist for the UK Society of Authors McKitterick Prize for Fiction.
• Kevin Jared Hosein, Vashti Harrison, Denene Millner, Marla Dukharan, Portia Subran, Yona Deshommes, Marsha Massiah, Breanna McDaniel, Elise Dillsworth, and many more distinguished authors, poets, and speakers.
With a diverse gathering of talent, this year’s festival is expected to grow further in its significance to the Territory’s cultural calendar. For the first time ever, the BVI Lit Fest is expanding its reach to Virgin Gorda, with the inaugural pre-event kicking off on 5 October. The Literary Wonderland event, invites children of all ages to embark on a literary journey led by local talents rooted in Virgin Gorda, with engaging sessions from agriculturalist Jahnai Caul, chef Radiance Modeste, author Chantal Flax-Ward, and Miss Virgin Gorda Easter Festival, Allonah Williams.
In addition, the festival has teamed up with HLSCC to host a poetry slam for the HLSCC community and a writing competition for the broader community aged 14 and older. Cash prizes of $250 will be awarded to the winners in both the youth and adult categories.
The festival’s four-day schedule is packed with exciting events:
• Thursday, 7 November: Writer’s Welcome Reception at Allamanda Estate Villa in Beef Island
• Friday, 8 November: Let’s Talk Lit Panel Discussions, Readings, and Lectures at the HLSCC Main Campus in Paraquita Bay and Sunset Stories at Brandywine Estate Restaurant
• Saturday, 9 November: Light A Fire: Poets Showcase at Sushi Bar, Literary Wonderland Children’s Programme: Tortola, and Writing with Writers’ Workshop at HLSCC Main Campus in Paraquita Bay
• Sunday, 10 November: Book Brunch at 1748 Restaurant, Long Bay Beach Resort.
Tickets are currently available for purchase at various outlets across Tortola and Virgin Gorda, including HLSCC Virgin Gorda Centre, The Village Rose, Brew, HLSCC Campus Store, Island Services, J&C Trading Limited, Nook, Beans, and The Allamanda Gallery. Online tickets can also be purchased via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bvi-literary-festival-2024-tickets-969076532997?aff=oddtdtcreator.
The BVI Lit Fest would not be possible without the support of its sponsors and partners. Unite BVI returns as the festival’s premier sponsor, joined by Guido Feger Foundation/VP Bank, DLT Solutions, and National Bank of the Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, 284 Media, and Caribbean Cellars continue their partnership, along with venue sponsors Allamanda Estate Villa, Brandywine Estate Restaurant, Sushi Bar, and Long Bay Beach Resort. The festival welcomes Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Oil Nut Bay, the Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation, Somasi Corporate Services, Ltd., and Republic Bank as new sponsors.
To stay up to date with the latest festival announcements, visit the official BVI Lit Fest website at www.bvilitfest.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @BVILitFest.
Launched in 2021, the BVI Lit Fest has quickly established itself as a premier literary event, drawing writers, readers, and artists from around the world. The festival not only highlights the unique literary voices of the British Virgin Islands but also fosters cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration. Join us this November for an unforgettable celebration of literature, culture, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, an avid reader, or simply someone who appreciates the arts, the 2024 BVI Lit Fest promises an experience that will inspire and engage.