The king of soca is to return to the island to perform amid an exciting line-up of events at this year’s Carnival in Bermuda.

Organisers announced that Machel Montano will perform during the festivities, which will run from June 10 to 15.

The announcement was made last night at the launch of this year’s edition of the carnival at the Wine Cellar on Dundonald Street.

Organisers said Mr Montano, who last performed in Bermuda in 2018, will bring high energy to the National Heroes Day weekend calendar of events.

Fourteen events spanning six days are set to take place including multiple parties from dusk to dawn.

Residents were invited to attend Army Fete, Evolve, Soca Fete, Swizzle@Sunrise and Soca Sunday, among other events during the weekend of activities.

The line-up includes a singer-songwriter competition as well as a children’s costume design competition.

The festival will culminate with Revel de Road on June 15 and organisers promised bold and high-energy performances at the carnival.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said the festival was an “important milestone” geared towards strengthening the island’s tourism, cultural and creative industries.

He said: “Carnival in Bermuda is able to happen because of strong collaboration and shared commitment.

“And it continues to grow because so many Bermudians believe in its cultural and economic relevance.”

He said the event was “far more than just a celebration”, but also an important tourism asset.

“It’s an economic driver and a powerful expression of Bermudian creativity and community.”

Mr Darrell said the Government’s increased support for this year’s edition of the event reflects its confidence in the festival’s growing impact and long-term value to the island, inclusive of its mandate.

“This support underscores our commitment to collaborating with partners in Bermuda to deliver an elevated experience for residents and visitors alike,” he added.

He said he was confident that the event would include increased participation, extend the island’s global visibility and place a continued focus on safety.

Zoe Simmons, media and communications representative for the carnival, said the event is “no longer just a moment on the calendar”.

She added: “It is a strategic national platform, welcoming international visitors, amplifying local talent, empowering youth, and showcasing Bermuda’s culture to the world through music movement, design and storytelling.”

With support from the Government, Ms Simmons said, the event will introduce extended participation options for revellers.

She added: “You’ll dance on land, you’ll party in the water, you’ll glow under the stars, and when Monday comes, the road belongs to you.

“This year’s programme is bold, it’s dynamic, and yes, we have some exciting surprises in store that we can’t wait to reveal in the weeks ahead.”

Vivian Mullings, whose business, Impressions Artistry, is a sponsor of the event, said the carnival “is great for business”.

During a panel discussion at the launch, Ms Mullings said: “The whole, overall week really boosts our businesses in a big way.”

She said the carnival gives a boost to the beauty sector as she noted that businesses such as hair salons and make -up artistes benefit from the event.

John Lee, of Sound Concepts, said the carnival was a “huge undertaking” for his company and others that provide support to the annual feature.

“It means that we have to work together to ensure that the weekend comes about flawlessly and that we represent our country with our best foot forward,” he added.

“It gives all the small entrepreneurs the ability to not only represent their brand but to also have a shareholder stake in the products that we put out as a country,” he noted.