The Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) has said a Calypso Review’ will be held instead on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Festival Grounds in Road Town.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were not able to have our annual calypso competition this year, but calypso being a deep part of our culture we are trying our best to maintain that and have a calypso event,” promoter Stuart Donovan revealed at a press conference on July 11, 2022.

Promoter Mr Stuart Donovan revealed at a press conference on July 11, 2022, that a Calypso Review will take the place of the Calypso Competition for the 2022 Emancipation Festival.

‘It’s not a competition’- Stuart Donovan

“It’s not a competition. We will have some old songs and some new songs,” Mr Donovan said of the Calypso Review.

The calypsonians participating, he said, include Tino, Queen Sherry, King Paido, Rocky, and Queen Mckeesha.

“We might have one or two more that will be disclosed, but they will be participating in the Calypso Review.”

Mr Donovan said the Calypso Review is being dubbed a Festival Warmup Pre-Launch event.

He also said food and drinks will be on sale; however, the regular booths will not be opened.

“It will be the Committee booths as it is a fundraiser and pre-festival event,” Donovan said.

The VI Emancipation Festival will be held from July 27 to August 5, 2022, under the theme ‘Celebrating Freedom for Me and You, BVI Festival 2022’.