DJ Rusty G promises Saturday night at Fort St Catherine will be “epic”. On social calendars, Flag Invasion is the biggest party before Bermuda Day: 17 DJs spread over four zones pumping out reggae, hip hop, soca, salsa, Afrobeat, merengue, R & B, reggaeton, dem bow and amapiano, bachata and dancehall.

Q: It’s called Flag Invasion. Why?

A: Flag Invasion started as a party to celebrate Bermuda Day. The theme was bring your flag and represent your country. People liked it so much that it became an annual event.

Q: Where did you get the idea?

A: Flag parties happen all over the world in the Caribbean scene so the concept wasn't new. I do believe Flag Invasion was the first time the concept of a flag party was done in Bermuda.

Q: How many have you held?

A: I've lost track! It started in 2014 and took place every year besides 2020 and 2021. Guess that means this year will be the ninth.

Q: What’s the set up like?

A: The best way to describe it is to imagine there are three totally different parties happening inside one venue. Since releasing the information for the event a fourth zone, the Carib Lounge, has been added!

Q: Can people move freely from one to the next?

A: Flag Invasion patrons have the option to move freely between all the stages and experience everything the event offers. Some people who like reggae and dancehall music might decide to stay in the Stoli Zone the whole time; those who like soca music will definitely be in the Cockspur Zone; others who want a variety of experiences may choose to bounce around and visit all the stages.

Q: What are the acoustics like?

A: People who have never been to the event before ask me all the time how it will work. The sound design for Flag Invasion is set up so that when you are in a zone the only thing you will hear is music from that stage. The only time you may hear a bit of “clashing” is when moving or standing between the stages.

Q: How did you select the DJs?

A: As a touring DJ I meet a lot of extremely talented international entertainers. Many times we end up on the same shows in different parts of the world and I get to see them perform. I have full confidence in every international DJ I book because I have seen them first hand, live and in action. When it comes to the Bermudian talent I always like to have a mix of seasoned veterans, fan favourites and also give new talent the opportunity and a chance to shine. Some of our Bermudian DJs also specialise in certain genres of music so an event like Flag Invasion gives them the chance to really showcase that.

Q: Where are they all from?

Jus Jay is from Barbados, Ricky Platinum is Jamaican and American, DJ Quest is from Antigua and Shep Beats is a Bajan residing in London. The other 13 performers on the cast are all Bermudian.

Q: How many different nationalities would you say have turned up at an event?

A: Too many to count! You would just have to come out and see all the different flags people bring with them. It's amazing!

Q: Why Fort St Catherine?

A: This event has happened at many different venues over the years. It took place at Fort St Catherine in 2019 and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. I knew returning to the fort was something I wanted to do.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: There's a saying in my business: "Rain does only stop cricket!!” No, but seriously, we've had showers in the past at Flag Invasion and just like any outdoor festival or concert anywhere else in the world, the show will go on! If it is deemed that the weather poses a serious threat to the safety and security of the event we will have to make some tough calls but so far in the event's eight-year history it's never been an issue.

Q: What’s great about Flag Invasion? What sets it apart from other events?

A: Flag Invasion is a truly unique experience to Bermuda that only happens once a year. It's an event that brings several walks of life together because it caters to so many different musical tastes. It has become the largest pre-Bermuda Day event and a place to really show off your national pride!

Q: Why should people make the long trip to St George’s?

A: Why wouldn't you? That's where everyone is gonna be!

Flag Invasion takes place at Fort St Catherine on Saturday from 6pm until 12am. Tickets are available at www.djrustyg.com