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All things Bermuda on centre stage in London this weekend

Bermudian artist Matthew Bento at a Bermuda Day in London event (Photo by Tjana Wharton)  

Bermuda Day might still be a few weeks away, but Bermudians in London will be celebrating the Island’s music, arts, food and culture with an exciting event this weekend.

Spredluv & CKC Corporation will be hosting the sixth Annual Bermuda Day in London Celebrations and are hoping to make this year’s event the biggest ever.

Promoter Jeremy Blades said: “Basically we’ve expanded it and made it two days instead of one. [Yesterday] we had acoustic performances and a tribute to Bermuda based films, books, poetry and a little bit of music.

“Then on Sunday it will be pretty much one big party. We will have performances by Bermudian artist Matthew Bento who is getting a lot of attention in the UK, as well as Messengah, who was a pretty prolific musician in Bermuda.

“We will also have all the foods, fishcakes, chicken, peas and rice and all that lovely stuff.

“We had some kite sticks donated from Belvin’s Variety and will have a kite-making demonstration and other games and activities for any families interested in coming out.”

He described it as a time for “fellowship and fun” right in the heart of Camden Market in London.

It’s also a way for Bermudians to share the unique aspects of their culture, he explained.

“Everyone knows about Bermuda from a business standpoint or tourism standpoint, but they don’t know about a lot of the culture and musical talents that we have.

“And what we try to do is get in contact with the artists living in England so that we can push them and give them an opportunity to take the stage.”

He said the event had grown tremendously over the years, with more than 2,000 people coming out for the past two events.

“It has become really big and we decided to spread it out and focus on books and art on one day and then we can have space for people to hang out and sit down on the second day and watch live performances and have a good time drinking Dark & Stormies.”

The event has also been promoted by Beatnik Rubaine and Cha’Von Clarke, CEO of CKC Books.

Ms Clarke said yesterday’s opening event aimed to pay tribute to the Island’s valued literary, film and music treasures.

She also said it was “an awesome opportunity” for Bermudian talents to share their material with a wider audience.

“For the first time, Bermuda’s books will be promoted and available for purchase at Camden Market in London which means that people from all over the world will have access to the Island’s talented artists.”

Short films by Bermudian film producers like Lucinda Spurling, Kara Smith, Karli Powell and Milton Raposo were also shown for the first time yesterday at Bermuda Day in London.

However, the fun and excitement will continue on Sunday, as Bermudian culture and heritage takes centre stage.

Attendees can indulge in an afternoon of music, dancing, games and fantastic food, followed by an evening of partying for those over age 21.

“[On Sunday afternoon] there will be jumbo-sized games in the Kidz & Family Zone, professional face painting, free play and instructor-led arts and crafts (Gombey hats, tissue paper activities and more),” said a spokeswoman.

“Books will be on sale again at the Sunday event and live performances by talents currently residing in the UK. Bermudian DJs will spin music by Bermudian and popular hits, keeping the audience on their feet the whole day and night.

“Authentic Bermudian cuisine, starting with Codfish and Potato breakfast from 10am to noon and additional delicious island eats throughout the day. Rum Swizzle and Dark & Stormies will also be on offer with Gosling Black Rum.”

Organisers said the event had become a live advertisement for Bermuda and continues to be a great outing for many Londoners and Bermudians living in the UK.

“Our 2014 event is sure to be another great day for all to come together to party and enjoy Island flavours as we send Bermudian vibes across the Camden Lock so the world can sample a taste of Bermuda,” said Mr Rubaine.

Ms Clarke added: “We expect to see people from all over the UK, US and Europe, including Bermudians who have relocated around the world and those visiting London from the Island. All are welcomed to celebrate with us!”

For more information on the celebration, visit ‘Bermuda Day in London’ on Facebook.

People will enjoy local drinks like Dark and Stormies and Rum Swizzle at the Bermuda Day in London event. (Photo by Tjana Wharton)  
People show off their Bermudian spirit at a past Bermuda Day in London event (Photo by Tjana Wharton)  
Bermudian singer Zion Wilson performs at a past Bermuda Day in London event (Photo by Tjana Wharton)  
The Bermuda Day in London event has been attended by more than 2,000 people over the past two years, including these young women. (Photo by Tjana Wharton)  
The Bermuda Day in London event has been attended by more than 2,000 people over the past two years, as people gather to celebrate local arts, culture and food. (Photo by Tjana Wharton)  
Bermuda flag (Photo by Tjana Wharton)