The British Virgin Islands is preparing to host the BVI Literary Arts Festival (BVI Lit Fest), returning for its fourth year from November 7-10.

This year’s festival promises a captivating blend of global literary icons and local talent under the theme “Roots to Routes,” part of the territory’s annual Culture and Tourism Month activities.

Safiya Smith, Chair of the BVI Lit Fest Committee, highlighted the festival’s theme as an exploration of historical and creative connections. “Our themes are carefully chosen to foster meaningful connections among students, faculty, artists, and the wider arts community here and abroad,” Smith explained. “By focusing on topics like sustainability and global literature, BVI Lit Fest continues to stay relevant, addressing key global issues while celebrating diverse cultures.”

The 2024 lineup features a powerhouse roster of international and Caribbean literary stars, including:

• Safiya Sinclair, award-winning Jamaican poet and memoirist
• David Olusoga, OBE, BAFTA-winning historian and author of Black and British
• Jason Allen-Paisant, 2023 T.S. Eliot Prize winner for Self Portrait as Othello
• Celeste Mohammed, prize-winning Trinidadian author of Pleasantview

The list also includes celebrated voices like Kevin Jared Hosein, Vashti Harrison, Denene Millner, Portia Subran, and many more.

In a first for the festival, a pre-event will be held on Virgin Gorda on October 5, where the Literary Wonderland event invites children of all ages to explore the world of books, led by local talents such as agriculturalist Jahnai Caul and chef Radiance Modeste.

The four-day festival offers a packed schedule, including:

• Thursday, November 7: Welcome Reception at Allamanda Estate Villa, Beef Island
• Friday, November 8: Panel discussions, readings, and lectures at HLSCC’s Paraquita Bay campus, followed by an evening of Sunset Stories at Brandywine Estate Restaurant
• Saturday, November 9: Poetry showcase at Sushi Bar, a Literary Wonderland children’s program on Tortola, and writing workshops at HLSCC
• Sunday, November 10: The popular Book Brunch at 1748 Restaurant, Long Bay Beach Resort

For the first time, the festival will also host a poetry slam at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and a writing competition for participants aged 14 and up, with cash prizes of $250 for youth and adult winners.

Tickets are available at multiple outlets across Tortola and Virgin Gorda, and online via Eventbrite. The festival’s key sponsors include Unite BVI, Guido Feger Foundation, VP Bank, and the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, with support from the BVI Tourist Board and local businesses.

For more details, visit www.bvilitfest.com or follow @BVILitFest on Instagram and Facebook.

The BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission will announce the winner of this year’s Anegada Lobster Festival Art Competition today September 27. This annual event, a staple in the lead-up to the beloved Anegada Lobster Festival, has drawn the creative talents of young artists from across the British Virgin Islands, each competing to have their artwork featured in the festival’s official flapbook.

With this year’s theme—”Lobster, Sun & Anegada Fun”—entrants between the ages of 7 and 12 were tasked with bringing the vibrant culture of Anegada and its famous spiny lobster to life on paper. The young artists were challenged to capture the spirit of the island, combining its sun-soaked shores with the iconic lobster, a key symbol of the festival.

The stakes are high, with FLAP-tastic prizes lined up for the winners:

Grand Prize: A getaway to St. Maarten with two round-trip flights courtesy of Winair.
Second Prize: A round-trip ferry ticket for two to the Anegada Lobster Festival, complete with a delicious lunch.
Third Prize: A gift certificate for two for an Arts and Craft Adventure at Create BVI.
Fifth Prize: A guided hike for two with Hike BVI, perfect for nature lovers.
Seventh Prize: A culinary experience for two with Rotiman’s Johnny Cake, where winners can learn the art of making the island delicacy.
The festival organisers are thrilled to see the community’s response, especially from the island’s youth. “It’s not just about the lobster; it’s about celebrating Anegada and our BVI culture through art and creativity. This competition allows kids to play a big part in that celebration,” the organisers said.

Submissions for the contest closed on Monday, September 23rd, and the judges have been hard at work evaluating the entries. Winners will be revealed later today, marking the start of the excitement for the upcoming Anegada Lobster Festival—a cornerstone event in the BVI’s cultural calendar.

For those eager to see the results, the BVI Tourist Board will announce the winners at noon. Keep an eye out for the next young BVI artist whose artwork will be immortalised in this year’s festival flapbook!