First 7 artists for Emancipation Festival announced
The festival, organised by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC), will take place from July 25 to August 11, 2026.
Among the performers who will hit the festival village stage are Beres Hammond, Nadia Batson, 450, Popcaan, Sizzla, R. City, and Problem Child.
In a social media post announcement, the VIF7FC wrote, “The first wave of artists [has] landed! From dancehall to soca, to timeless reggae…the vibes are already set!”
The festivities include musical performances, local food fairs, and community parades.
A slight change to the festival’s calendar
This year, the festival will see a change as the Emancipation Parade, which normally concludes the festivities, will be held on the Saturday after August Monday.
Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith, in February 2026, revealed the change, explaining that the Rise and Shine Tramp clashes with the parade.
The parade’s success, she defended, is a key factor in determining the overall success of the Emancipation Festival.
"So we are going to change the parade date, from the August Monday, because we cannot change the tramp from August Monday because of the significance of it,” Hon Hodge-Smith said.
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14 Responses to “First 7 artists for Emancipation Festival announced”
Repent. Tomorrow may be too late!
THAT STATEMENT IS NOT TRUE. THE FESTIVITIES IF WE FOLLOW TRAFITION UDUALLY WILL END IN RAST END ON AUGUST WEDNESDAY. BUT GREED FOR MONEY HAS DISRUPTED THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATION.
I DO NOT CARE TO HEAR REGGAE MUSIC IN THE FESTIVAL. NOT ONE FUNGI BAND IN THE LINE UP... SHAME. SO WHAT WILL BE DONE THE REST OF AUGUST MONDAY AFTER A TRAMP IN ROAD TOWN? KEEP IT UP.
Collie Bud another one. C’mon man get with the times nuh buddy!!