71st VI Emancipation Festival launched



The festival will run from July 13 to August 9, 2025, under the theme ‘Uniting our Culture, Freedom and Joy in the Virgin Islands for Festival 2025’. This year’s slogan is ‘Embrace the Past, Let Unity Thrive as we Celebrate Emancipation Festival 2025!’
Several activities are scheduled, including the Miss BVI Pageant, Prince and Princess Pageant, Mr and Miss Jr BVI Pageant, International Reggae Night, International Soca Night, Carrot Bay Cultural Day, and much more.
Mr Neil E. Frett, this year’s festival honouree
The Festival Village Opening will take place on July 25, 2025, and Mr Neil E. Frett has been named as this year's festival honouree.
Mr Frett, who has been involved in the festival since 1974, said he is surprised to be named this year’s Virgin Islands Emancipation Celebration Honouree.
“It’s not something I expected,” he said, however added he is “very happy”.
Enjoy this year's festival 'safely'- Joseph Smith-Abbot
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, Joseph Smith-Abbot, encouraged all to “safely enjoy this period of our Emancipation Celebration and do so in the spirit of national unity”.
He also promised continued support from the Ministry for the emancipation celebrations.
This year’s theme winner is Mrs Briana Henley-Mather, while the slogan winner is Mr Jacob Edwards.


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