Emancipation Festival Faces More Adjustments

Further adjustments will be made to the 72nd Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival as the VI Festival and Fairs Committee seek to improve the experience for residents and visitors.

Fourth District Representative and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith made the disclosure while speaking in the House of Assembly on July 10.

“There will be some more adjustments that we will have to make, but we will, of course, come to the public to have further discussions about it,” she said.

Hodge-Smith also reiterated the previously announced decision to move the Rise and Shine Tramp in Road Town from Monday to Tuesday, while the August Monday Parade will remain on Monday.

The adjustment separates the two major events and gives revellers more time to rest, preventing the tramp from affecting participation and the overall quality of the parade.

“So, we can really see the difference of not having these two major events on the same day and affecting the quality of Festival Monday Parade,” she stated.

The parade is scheduled to begin at noon, and Hodge-Smith expressed hope that it will start on time.

Hotels, Airbnbs and Rental Cars Booked

Hodge-Smith said strong interest is already being seen among members of the diaspora planning to return home for the festivities.

“The hotels are booked, Airbnbs are booked, car rental agencies are booked, and so it’s going to be another fun year,” she said.

She described the entertainment schedule as exciting and said preparations are progressing smoothly, with the Festival Village being prepared and booths being erected.

Carrot Bay and East End are also preparing to host their respective portions of the festivities.

Hodge-Smith predicted that this year’s Festival would be successful, noting its importance to Virgin Islanders and its ability to attract visitors to the Territory.

“We recognise that the Festival is significant to us as a people of the Virgin Islands, and we want to be able to extend to visitors to come and experience our Emancipation Festival,” she stated.

The Emancipation Festival will run from July 18 to August 09, featuring local and international performers, including Sizzla, Beres Hammond, Problem Child, Rock City, VIBE and Popcaan.

The 2026 Emancipation Festival will be held under the theme, “Culture Rising, Hearts Aligned, VI Festival, One of a Kind.” Robert “Tico” Harrigan will serve as the 2026 Parade Grand Marshal.