BVI hosts 27th annual Christmas in the City
Scenes from Christmas in the City, captured by Andre ‘Shadow’ Dawson/BVI News
The 27th edition of Christmas in the City took place in Road Town over the weekend, featuring two nights of performances, children’s activities, and Santa appearances, including Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, who dressed as Santa to distribute gifts to children.
City Manager Janice Brathwaite said the long-running event continued to pose the usual operational challenges, noting that the team worked on site ahead of the weekend to complete setup.
Brathwaite said youth groups and schools formed a central part of the programme. These included the Girl Guides and Francis Lettsome Primary School, which made its first appearance. The recorder group from Alexandrina Maduro Primary School also performed.
The musical lineup included Leon and the Hot Shots on the first night. Brathwaite said the second night featured the debut of the band Splash, along with Four Strong International, the band associated with the late Delores Christopher, which shifted from its usual Friday slot to Saturday.
Santa activities ran across both nights. Brathwaite said children aged up to 10 received gifts on the first evening, while children aged 11 to 14 could meet Santa’s helpers on the second night. The Premier served as Santa during the event, appearing to hand out presents.
A dedicated children’s zone operated throughout the festival, offering bouncy houses, popcorn, coloured popcorn and coloured cotton candy.
She confirmed that there were no honourees for this edition of Christmas in the City, adding that organisers planned to resume recognitions when the event reached its 30th anniversary.
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A next party here again, boy are you jump up and jam, we thankful for a party premiere, he does that perfectly.
I’ve asked before and I’ll ask again.
Why does a small island town like Road Town feel the need to erroneously assert itself as a city?
Perhaps the City Manager can explain.
Roger please… It is what it is. City it is to us virgin Islanders.
And if I say the road from East End to the “city” is a four lane highway, it’s a four lane highway.
food fair in the city
The event was lovely in spirit, but the crowd control logistics definitely need stronger planning. From as early as 7:00 pm, parents were asking where to line up for Santa, but there were no signs, markers, or guidance from the organizers. When Santa arrived, the sudden instructions over the microphone created confusion, and the tone used toward both parents and children felt unnecessarily harsh. Being told not to accompany our children—during a night event, in a tightly packed crowd with no structured lines—was especially concerning.
The atmosphere shifted because of how the situation was handled, but this can absolutely be improved next year. Simple, thoughtful steps like stanchions, roped lines, and clearly marked age-group signage would make a world of difference. Alternatively, organizers could ask each child’s age at the front and have helpers pass gifts accordingly, which would also support solo parents in lines managing children of different ages.
Most importantly, choosing a host who is warm, calm, and comfortable addressing families would help set a positive tone. With better preparation and a more pleasant approach, this event can easily become the joyful experience it’s meant to be for the children and parents alike.
your so right about the tone of voice …, i seen other parents grab they children and left the event for this same reason. better organizing can really make things go smoothly.