The Chewstick Foundation is to host a special concert to celebrate Emancipation Day.

The charity’s executive director, Gavin Smith, said a concert on the theme matched the charity’s mandate to break down social barriers and promote Bermuda’s creative community.

He added: “The Emancipation Celebration Concert will stay true to the core focus of the Chewstick Foundation, to celebrate local arts and culture and will be a much needed fundraiser to help Chewstick Foundation’s new Culture Hub at 81 Front Street to become a reality.

“The Chewstick Foundation is committed to providing Bermuda’s artists the resources and infrastructure needed to develop their talents and the entertainment industry for years to come, and the new Culture Hub will take their years of experience to new heights, that would benefit the entire community.”

The charity is asking the community to support the Chewstick Culture Hub renovations by attending the concert, which will take place at the Pier 6 Tent on Thursday because of the uncertain weather conditions.

International reggae superstars Wayne Wonder, Tanya Stephens, and Bermuda reggae star Mishka, alongside a host of local talent, will be joining forces to support the project.

Mr Smith said: “Over the course of their evolution the Chewstick Foundation has met a number of artists and seen them grow from young creatives trying to figure out their craft to bona fide entertainers, travelling the world.”

According to Mr Smith, the charity’s various programs and outreach have provided opportunities to develop and inspire artists on this year’s line-up such as Haz The Human, Hannah E, GianLuca Gibbons, Arijahknow Live Wires. “It also serves as the venue where musicians, poets, vocalists and storytellers not only meet but strengthen their talents and create powerful collaborations, one example being the DIA Band, whose members all met through this influential organisation and who will be live on stage that night,” Mr Smith added.

The concert will be hosted by Arijahknow Live Wires and an opening performance by the Bermuda African Dance Company will honour what the holiday is about.

There will also be a special performance by members of Family Center’s youth programme.

The Chewstick Foundation is creating the Chewstick Culture Hub as a haven of culture and creativity for Bermuda, because “it is essential to provide not only opportunities to perform but also a safe space to share ideas, to collaborate and to put a spotlight on the wealth of talent that Bermuda has to offer” in order to “strengthen the creative arts industry”, Mr Smith said.

The concert will begin at 10pm and doors open at 9pm. General tickets cost $60 and VIP tickets are $100.

They are available at www.ptix.bm or from 27th Century Boutique, AF Smith, Rock Island Coffee and the Chewstick Foundation.

• For more information contact the Chewstick Foundation on 292 2439 or e-mail info@chewstick.org