A “comprehensive Bermuda event and entertainment calendar” to promote activities and offer reliable information is in the works, tourism minister Owen Darrell announced today.

“The time has come for a central, trusted hub — one that brings everyone together in one accessible resource for event planners and visitors alike,” he said.

Mr Darrell said there was a need to structure planning, avoid scheduling conflicts and prevent events from overlapping as well as “better promoting what’s happening across the island”, from sport and business events to culture and music.

He added: “It will also play an important role in cultural preservation and community engagement.”

The aim would be “strengthening tourism, boosting the local economy and celebrating the vibrant culture that makes Bermuda unique”.

Mr Darrell said that the newly established Bermuda National Event and Entertainment Committee will be charged with drawing up the schedule.

He said the group would not wield independent authority over government funding, but would be able to provide the ministry with recommendations.

The committee, chaired by Melissa Looby, was assembled in October, with terms of membership ending on December 31, 2026, with the possibility of reinstatement.

Members will represent the Government, the entertainment industry, community organisations, the private sector and the Bermuda Tourism Authority as well as the Bermuda Hotel Association.

Mr Darrell said a draft calendar for next year would be drawn up by November 30, with a final national calendar for 2026 events in place by December 31, along with a report including recommendations.

He added: “This is the first of what will be an annual initiative.”

Mr Darrell said the group’s remit did not include generating events, but “to go out and gather existing events happening in Bermuda and put them in one location”.

Ms Looby said the site would promote events as well as highlight their timing.

She added that events catering to children and families were in demand, along with “opportunities on the culinary side”.

Ms Looby added: “The expertise is amazing. I’m really looking forward to working with them to bring this together.”

Mr Darrell said members of the committee would be paid “according to the regular and standard pay of boards — what some would say is a minimal stipend”.