THE inaugural Guyana Festival has been described as ‘Sound, Soul and Taste; for the very first time, the fusion of the six different cultures that make up the Guyanese tapestry will be brought together reflecting a true melting pot that reflects the Guyanese identity’.This event is slated to take place at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence from August 8 to 10, 2014.

On the ‘Night of the Legends’, slated for August 9, 2014 although officially launched on June 2 with an exciting line up of the best local music, bands, and artistes to perform at the event, it is expected too that patrons would be afforded the experience of a lifetime to witness all of Guyana’s artists’ belt out renditions that were only talked about. Persons slated to perform at this event are Dave Martins, Aubrey Mann, Teddy Jones, Glen ‘Fluff’ Miller, Hilton Hemmerding, Johnny Braff, Terry Gajraj, Mighty Rebel, Devindra Pooran, Sammy Baksh, Sash Persaud, the Yoruba Singers, Winston ‘Zar’ Caesar and Celia Samaroo.

Minister of Tourism (ag), Irfaan Ali, at launch of the ‘Night of the Legends’, said that “a special package will be offered to Jamaicans in collaboration with Fly Jamaica and other airlines, to finalise packages out of Florida, Toronto, New York, and even London.”

He explained that it would be a package that would cover activities from Thursday to Monday. “The plan is to encourage all Guyanese as well as other visitors (to come) for the Guyana Festival.” And at the recent launch of Dynamic Airways in Guyana, it was announced that a package for US$1105, all-inclusive of flight, 5 nights’ accommodation, ground transportation and access to all events of the festival, will be offered to persons who wish to attend the Guyana Festival.

Courts Guyana came on board the festival on May 16 through a donation of $2M. At the handing over ceremony, Minister Ali expressed his gratitude to Courts Guyana for yet again supporting the Tourism sector, and at this Guyana Festival, “Courts Guyana is playing its part in ensuring that this event is a success.”

Bai Shan Lin and Windsor Estates have endorsed the Guyana Festival through sponsorship totalling $3M.

At the official handing over ceremony, Minister Ali noted that “Bai Shan Lin has donated $1M to the Guyana Festival; and having the Chinese endorse the festival shows their commitment towards our heritage. Also coming on board is Windsor Estates with $2M in sponsorship,” he said.

CARICOM Bottling Company Inc, on May 19, donated $3M towards the staging of the highly-anticipated Guyana Festival. The contribution was handed over in manifestation of the company being supportive of local events through which tourism is boosted.
The Generation Next concert, slated for August 10, would feature Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts. Minister Ali indicated that, for this concert, ‘Vanilla’ will be launching her new track ‘Digadee Wine’.

Others to perform at the “Generation Next” concert are Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo; Adrian Dutchin, and others. This announcement is slated to be made public soon.

Guyanese across the world share the passion for cricket, which is prevalent throughout the English-speaking Caribbean. Football, basketball, boxing, and table tennis are also to be played, while squash has also gained a following.

Several high ranking players have confirmed their participation in the Guyana Festival cricket match between Master’s Team and President’s XI, which would be held at the National Stadium at Providence on August 9th, 2014 from 16:00hrs to 18:00hrs.

Players joining the teams include Derek Kallicharran, former first class cricketer, and his brother Alvin Kallicharran, former West Indian batsman. There are also Faoud Bacchus, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Travis Dowlin, Neil McGarrell, Clive Butts, and former West Indies cricket player Clayton Lambert.

Speaking to this newspaper in an exclusive interview on the developments and progress the festival is making, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, marketing coordinator of the festival, explained that the festival is receiving tremendous support both locally and internationally.

The committee is presently focused on making persons aware of the event through a massive marketing campaign. “We have had a road show in Parika, Region 3, and the staff distributed flyers and had discussions with the public, and I average that we directly reached a few thousand persons.”

Haralsingh also indicated that there will be a series of other road shows across the length and breadth of Guyana, and that the committee is currently working to have some of the Guyanese singers and other celebrities come on board these road shows.

In high-traffic areas such as the East Bank of Demerara, the Rupert Craig Highway and a few others places, the festival committee has already placed billboards to sensitise the public of the event.

There are also a number of persons working on the international marketing in New York, Miami and Toronto, with flyers being placed in flights traversing the Guyana route.

Flyers have also been placed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and at a number of hotels, Haralsingh noted.

The Guyana Festival Passport, costing US$15, will be available to mark this event, as well as a festival coin that will be available at King’s Jewellery World. There are other branded memorabilia available for purchase both locally and internationally. These memorabilia can be purchased at the Guyana Tourism Authority, and interested persons can contact the office at 219-0094/96.

The Guyana Festival covers three days, and will feature our most celebrated legends in sports, culture, art, music, food, entertainment, and much more. Day one will feature an airshow and national concert; day two, the audience will experience the Night of the Legends, and day three will feature a national cook off, with food from every culture, followed by the Generation X Concert.

For more information on the Guyana Festival 2014, check out their facebook page: www.facebook.com/guyanafestival or website www. guyanafestival.gy, or call 219-0094/96.
Written By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally