The St. Kitts Music Festival: Evolving into a Spectacular Experience
Minister Henderson Highlights the Value of Fringe Events
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Over the 26 years since it was established, the St. Kitts Music Festival has evolved from an event that features nightly concerts to a spectacular experience that offers patrons at home and abroad an opportunity to venture deeper into the rich culture of St. Kitts and Nevis, the many natural and historical attractions, exotic cuisine, and the hospitality of the diverse population.
Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Marsha Henderson, holds ministerial responsibility for the St. Kitts Music Festival. She highlighted the value of fringe events on Wednesday’s (June 26, 2024) edition of the radio and television programme InFocus.
“I want to thank those who continue to partner with us,” the minister said. “It’s important because we can’t bring people to our destination and expect them to just stay in their beds and show up in the night for the music festival.”
Fringe Events: Enhancing the Experience
Entrepreneurs, businesses, artisans, and others have tapped into the festival’s success by offering many services and opportunities that capitalize on the influx of visitors. Fringe events, as they are dubbed, range from the extremely successful 2nd annual PraiseFest at the Antioch Baptist Church on Sunday, June 23, headlined by gospel artiste Phil Thompson, to the popular Black Sands at Carambola Beach Club featuring dancehall artiste Chronic Law on Sunday, June 30. Other events such as the Acoustic Concerts, Binge Arrival Party, Music Festival Food Fair and Festival Junction, Jam Rock Jerk Festival and many more all help to enhance the brand of the St. Kitts Music Festival and the overall tourism product.
Economic Impact
Fringe events also help to stimulate economic activity and generate employment opportunities for locals. The Thursday to Saturday nightly concerts start at 7 p.m. and conclude at 3 a.m.
“We have been encouraging people not just to come for those nights, but come early and experience St. Kitts, experience Nevis, and if they are going to come there must be something for them to do,” Minister Henderson added. “So these partnerships with private promoters we value them. We think it adds to the experience, the tourism product and it adds to the music festival product itself.”
Conclusion
The St. Kitts Music Festival has evolved into a spectacular experience that offers patrons a chance to explore the rich culture, natural and historical attractions, exotic cuisine, and hospitality of St. Kitts and Nevis. The fringe events play a significant role in enhancing the experience and stimulating economic activity, making it a must-visit destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the St. Kitts Music Festival?
A: The St. Kitts Music Festival is a spectacular event that features nightly concerts, fringe events, and activities that celebrate the culture, natural and historical attractions, exotic cuisine, and hospitality of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Q: What are fringe events?
A: Fringe events are activities and services offered by entrepreneurs, businesses, artisans, and others that capitalize on the influx of visitors during the festival. Examples include PraiseFest, Black Sands, Acoustic Concerts, and many more.
Q: What is the economic impact of the festival?
A: The festival stimulates economic activity and generates employment opportunities for locals. It also promotes the brand of the St. Kitts Music Festival and the overall tourism product.