BeachFest a hit

Make text smaller Make text larger

Young artists took centre stage before a packed beach of revellers today, as BeachFest soaked up the sun at Horseshoe Bay.

“Absolutely amazing,” was the verdict of organiser Gavin Smith of the Chewstick Foundation. “It's everything we were planning for it to be and better.”

Organisers of the seventh annual BeachFest credited feedback from the Parks Department and police for an event they said was more tightly organised this year. There was also no repeat of the minor outbreaks of violence at last year's event.

Said Mr Smith: “This event is for our people, to enhance our cultural identity and pride, and it's for the thousands of visitors and locals who turn up. We're grateful to all the volunteers, and to the supporters and the artists whose time and energy make this possible. We couldn't do it without them.”

Chewstick hosted limbo contests and freestyle rapping competitions, before soca and body painting took over later in the afternoon.

Co-organiser Najib (Tanzaoui) Chentouf said the event had benefited from a sharper layout.

“Everybody's been really respectful and people can get around easier with the path marked out all down the beach,” he said. “We've got a great mix of people and music.”

Approximately 2,500 attended the annual event.

“No negativity,” observed eight-string ukulele performer Mike Hind after leaving the stage. “The only negative thing here seems to be that I'm a St George's supporter.”

Make text smaller Make text larger

Take Our Poll