Entertainment
Festival Theme to be Unveiled at 70th Anniversary Launch Event
Excitement is in the air as the British Virgin Islands gears up to celebrate the official launch of 70th anniversary of Virgin Islands Festival. The event slated for Friday, April 26, 2024 promising an evening filled with culture, heritage and lots of fun.
The festivities which kicks off at the Road Town Market Square at 5 pm will feature a wide array of activities and entertainment from live music by acclaimed bands like The Razor Blades, The Shooting Stars, and the Steel Orchestra, to electrifying performances by the Purse Drive Squad and BVi Optimum Skydancers – something for everyone to enjoy.
But that’s not all! Food lovers will be delighted by the selection of local delicacies on offer, including local fried fish and the official festival cocktail. And for those craving something sweet, there will be plenty of treats to indulge in including offerings from Ethan Farm and a local wine tasting experience.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the unveiling of the Festival Slogan, setting the tone for the celebrations to come. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the members of all the festival committees, who have been working tirelessly to ensure that this year’s event is one to remember.
Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Entertainment
Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards
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Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
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Entertainment
Ronald Estephane of Fruit Boss to Represent St. Lucia at Caribbean Baking Awards
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St. Lucian pastry chef Ronald Estephane, the head of Fruit Boss, will participate in the upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards.
Estephane, known for his fruit carvings and pastry designs, previously won the title of Pastry Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards. His work focuses on transforming fruit into edible art, earning recognition within the Caribbean culinary industry.
The event is scheduled for February 21-22, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, bringing together bakers and pastry chefs from across the region.
This year’s competition will feature participants competing under the theme “Rum Fun.” The event will also include the “Ultimate Bake-Off: Celebrity Grudge Match – BVI Artists Edition,” where local musicians Boss, Jugo and Brent Hoyte will compete in a baking challenge.
The Caribbean Baking Awards continues to recognize professionals in the region’s culinary industry, highlighting innovation and craftsmanship in baking and pastry arts.
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