Festival & Fairs Committee taking extra precautions to ensure patrons’ safety
The 71st Virgin Islands (VI) Emancipation Festival began on July 13 and will run until August 9, 2025.
The chairperson of the Virgin Islands Festival & Fairs Committee, Mrs Natalie N. Penn-Lake, said while there have been concerns around safety, the committee is “doing what we’re supposed to do to make sure that everyone will have a great time, but they’re also safe at the same time”.
Speaking on Talking Points on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, July 21, 2025, Mrs Penn-Lake revealed that cameras will be erected throughout the festival.
She added that extra security has been sourced and will be on the grounds in addition to a commitment from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to have officers patrol throughout the festivities.
“We have taken some extra precautionary measures to make sure that everyone who is going to be attending the festivities will be safe.”
A great lineup for our people- Festival & Fairs Chairman
Mrs Penn-Lake also said she believes that a “great lineup” awaits attendees of this year’s Emancipation Festival.
“Knowing the short space of time that we had to plan the 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival, I think we have a great lineup for our people in the BVI and the wider community as well.”
She revealed that Coney Island is already on Tortola. It was to be erected on Monday evening and will officially open on Thursday, July 24, 2025, the same night as the Gospel Fest.
Mrs Penn-Lake said that drone footage and pictures will be posted to social media to “encourage families to come with their kids”.
Entry into Coney Island is free, and this year will feature ten rides. According to the Festival and Fairs Chairman, Coney Island will be barricaded from the rest of the Festival Village.
Each ride will cost $5, or people can purchase an all-inclusive ride pass for the night for $60.
“The stage is already up, all the booths have already been constructed…and we’re on our merry way to having a great and safe festival this year,” Mrs Penn-Lake stated.
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9 Responses to “Festival & Fairs Committee taking extra precautions to ensure patrons’ safety”
Great lineups. It's the same people with the same music. Only a couple of new people. Boring is what it is. Only the drinkers will have fun because lots of alcohol for them to act a fool...