Calypso competition returning to VG Easter Fest this year

The Calypso competition will be back on the Virgin Gorda’s Easter Festival calendar, Chairman of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Sub-Committee Franklin Walters has said.

The 53rd staging of the event is scheduled for April 11 to 13 and will be held under the theme ‘We partying plenty, plenty for festival 2020.’

Walters said between six to eight calypsonians will be competing this year.

“We are trying to bring back the calypso show because that has been off for quite a while, so we are trying to get that back on stream and get the art form back into the Easter festivities,” Walters said.

He added: “People are showing interest as we speak. We are still accepting applications and by next week Tuesday or Wednesday we should have everything finalized.”

Cash prize

A cash prize will be awarded the Calypso competition winner but Walters said that amount is not yet finalized.

Meanwhile, Walters said preparations for the event is “coming on pretty good”.

“We are getting ready to launch the lineup in the next five to eight days. We are just finalizing a few stuff, and then everything will be good to go,” he added.

Festival activities

The event will kick off with a cultural food fair at 10 am on Saturday, April 11, followed by the village opening ceremony on sister island’s recreational grounds at 8 pm.

On Sunday, the event continues with the Wet Fete, the annual Easter Egg Hunt event, and the Honorable RT O’Neal Hat Parade. The Calypso Show and village entertainment will conclude the evening’s entertainment.

On Monday, April 13, the Rise & Shine tramp will commence at 4 am, followed by the grand parade at 11 am and village entertainment during the night.