On Friday night, the Libra Glow Fiesta will feature Jamaica’s international artist Armani, Shaw HP The Band, and Gusbus from the USVI, along with local entertainment. Photo:BVI Fish Fete Bar Fiesta.

Saturday, known as the BAND-O-RAMA food fete and fish fry, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for people to enjoy delicious fish dishes. Then, starting at 7 p.m., 7 bands will take the stage.Photo:BVI Fish Fete Bar Fiesta.

On Sunday, the English bars will give way to the Spanish bars for the Latin Bar Fiesta, featuring international Latin star Donaty from the Dominican Republic and other local acts. This event will kick off at 11 a.m. with an array of Latin dishes and continue into the night. Photo:BVI Fish Fete Bar Fiesta.

Sixteen bars are set to participate in the fiesta, which will bring Road Town, Tortola, to life this weekend at the Village Cay Parking Lot. 

The series of events will feature a total of 10 bands, 2 international artists, and several DJs. This year, there will be 10 bars for the English Bar Fiesta on Friday and Saturday, followed by 10 [Spanish] bars for the Latin Fiesta on Sunday.

'Business community can come together'- Steve E. Parillon

Promoter Steve E. Parillion expressed excitement about this year's Bar Festival, noting that adding this twist to the fish fete has definitely given it a spark.

"To have 16 bars participating shows that the business community can come together under one umbrella to showcase what their business is about. It’s a family-friendly event in the heart of town, and we have exciting nights," he said.

'Libra Glow Fiesta', Armani & Donaty

On Friday night, the Libra Glow Fiesta will feature Jamaica’s international artist Armani, Shaw HP The Band, and Gusbus from the USVI, along with local entertainment. Saturday, known as the BAND-O-RAMA food fete and fish fry, will run from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for people to enjoy delicious fish dishes. Then, starting at 7:00 PM, bands will take the stage. On Sunday, the English bars will give way to the Spanish bars for the Latin Bar Fiesta, featuring international Latin star Donaty from the Dominican Republic and other local acts. This event will kick off at 11 a.m. with an array of Latin dishes and continue into the night.

Parillion emphasised the importance of staging this event in the community, particularly in October, which is typically a slow season. "It's October, it's kind of the slow season, and it gives kind of an opportunity to make money. We have 16 vendors, who have the opportunity to make money. It's a great opportunity for people to come out and enjoy entertainment and food. It's right in the path of Road Town."

He also noted that several patrons from outside the Virgin Islands have shown interest in attending the event. "I know a couple of people reached out to me from neighbouring islands about coming over to the event as well."

A safe & 'great weekend' expected

The promoter believes that the Bar Festival will positively impact the community. "I think it will have a good impact on the economy as far as giving us something to do, and we have great entertainment, we have great food, we have great participation from local businesses, and I think that it's just said to be a great weekend."

Parillion emphasised that safety is a priority, mentioning that they have held meetings with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), who will assist with security to ensure a safe environment throughout the weekend.