A New Summer Festival in Saint Lucia
Over the past 25 years Saint Lucia has built a reputation for quality entertainment. The island recently announced the launch of “SOLEIL – the Saint Lucia Summer Festival,” a series of six festivals taking place from May through October. The festival is aimed at enhancing the island’s tourism product and create a unique entertainment opportunity for their visitors.
The Summer Festival series will kick off May 12 -14 with Saint Lucia Jazz, a celebration of Caribbean and international jazz music. Events will take place across the island, culminating with a star-studded concert at Pigeon Island National Landmark on Sunday, May 14.
Some of the star-studded headliners include Grammy-nominated singer and actress Vanessa Williams and dynamically talented Rachelle Ferrell. Confirmed headliners steel pannist Victor Provost and Malavoi, hailing from Martinique, will also take the stage. Saint Lucian Jazz music will also be prominently featured with the Rupert Lay Quartet, Michael Robinson and the Caribbean band Bluemangó.
There will be a variety of free and paying concerts, educational activities, food, arts and visiting musicians.
In its first year The Saint Lucia Summer Festival will also feature:
Roots & Soul (June 16-18):
Dedicated to new trends in reggae, conscious hip-hop, Afropunk and R&B, this festival will also mark the launch of Saint Lucia Carnival.
Saint Lucia Carnival (mid-June through mid-July):
A variety of musical competitions lead up to the Parade of the Bands on July 17 and 18. Throughout, Carnival gives revelers the opportunity to fete almost everywhere on the island in true Caribbean fashion.
Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival (August 24-27):
This gastronomic festival invites chefs, wine connoisseurs, rum fanatics and foodies from the Caribbean and around the globe. Inspired by world’s famous chefs Nina Compton and Doran Payne, the event will feature culinary demonstrations. With rum and wine tastings, dining events and experiences, not to mention some musical performances.
Country & Blues Festival (September 15 – 17):
With such a festival, it calls for reflection on the diversity and modernity of the genres of music. Such Festival acts as powerful storytellers of the past and draw strong parallels to St. Lucian folk traditions.
Arts & Heritage Festival (October):
Building on Jounen Kweyol, this month-long festival will celebrate St. Lucia’s cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage with a variety of performances, seminars, lectures and culinary experiences. Not to mention the much anticipated street parties and art exhibitions.