The Department of Culture will be holding a torchlight procession from the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park to mark the beginning of the 70th Anniversary of the Territory’s Emancipation Festival and 190 years of emancipation activities.

The procession will commence at 7:30 p.m. on July 29 and will proceed from the park to the Festival Grounds.

Deputy Director of the Department of Culture Ms. Anne Lennard said her department is pleased to collaborate with the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission, in staging this year’s traditional all white Torch Light Procession.

“We are committed to showcasing and sharing our rich history with visitors and residents alike,” Ms. Lennard said. She added, “We encourage persons to come out and celebrate the reason for the season, i.e. Emancipation.”

Ms. Lennard said the procession will be illuminated by the flickering lights of torches and colourful lanterns and lively rhythms of traditional Virgin Islands folklore music from Zion Sounds Fungi Band featuring cultural icon Mr. Elmore Stoutt. She added the event will feature a blend of traditional and contemporary tunes, to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own torches and wear all-white attire to enhance the effect of the evening’s festivities.

The traditional torch light procession has been a cherished part of VI Festival since its inception in 1935, and more than 100 years later, it continues to bring the community together in celebration. This year’s event promises to be a memorable occasion as the Territory pays tribute to its ancestors.

All are encouraged to participate in the festive tradition, enjoy the community spirit, and celebrate the resilience and history of the Virgin Islands. For more information on the Torch Light Procession, contact the Department of Culture at 468-9907.