A contingent of 18 Bermudians in the arts will represent the island at the Carifesta XV festival this month in Barbados.

The Department of Culture said they will showcase disciplines including dance, music, visual arts, film and thought leadership at the festival from August 22 to August 31.

The delegation will feature the island’s iconic Gombeys, a diverse line-up of vocalists and a curated selection of visual artworks in the festival’s virtual gallery display, a government spokeswoman said.

Bermudian fashion will be worn during the opening ceremonies and performances, while Bermuda will also contribute to the festival’s symposium series via a virtual presentation.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said: “Carifesta is an extraordinary platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity of our island.

“From the rhythm of the Gombeys to the originality of our musicians and artists, this event allows Bermuda to connect with our Caribbean neighbours while sharing our unique story with the world.”

The Bermuda Gombey Council has selected a national Gombey group comprising members from multiple troupes.

They include Gerkimo Gardner, Zane Hendrickson, Zaniko Hendrickson, Showande Butterfield, Bilal Binns, Earshun DeShields, Willis Steede, Jordan Lambe, Kahni Place, Chaziah Brown, Rieko Trott and Harley Place.

Vocalists Fire Wayne, Aalai Wolffe, Joy T Barnum and Kyra-Jaye Harvey will showcase original Bermudian music.

The virtual gallery, curated with the assistance of Nzingha Ming, the director of the Bermuda Society of Arts, will feature works by Dion “The Creative” Greene, Edwin Smith, Kyle E Simmons, Jayde Gibbons, Shanna Hollis, Antoine Hunt, Ian Tucker, Signe Constable and Gherdai Hassell.

The spokeswoman said Ms Hassell and Tiara Webbe were invited by the festival organisers to participate in the visual and literary arts sections, respectively.

Bermuda’s visual representation will be complemented by the fashion brand Holidae, designed by Shannon Philpott.

The designs will be worn by the delegation during the opening ceremonies and by Gombey drummers during performances.

The island will also participate in the festival’s film segment, with final details to be announced.

For more information on this year’s delegation, visit culture.bm/carifesta-xv-2025-barbados/