This year’s winning theme, “A Reflection of Heritage and Hope – Commemorating the 67th Emancipation Celebration,” was submitted by Miss Aliana Smith. The slogan, “Resilient and Strong, Let’s Carry On for BVI Festival 2021,” was submitted by Ms. Shinika Mercer. Both winners will receive a prize of $250.00.

Chairman of the VI Festivals & Fairs Committee, Mr. Khalid Frett, expressed his sincere thanks to all entrants, adding, “We are happy to be able to upkeep with the tradition of having the Virgin Islands public decide what the story will look and sound like for our festival.”

Mr. Frett also said, “I encourage dancers, troupes, musicians, calypsonians, poets, painters, designers and other artists to represent the theme and slogan via their chosen art forms. We are looking forward to seeing just how creative we know you can be!”

As is customary, the two winning entries were selected via majority vote by the members of the VI Festivals & Fairs Committee. A total of 13 persons submitted entries by the April 26 deadline.

This year’s observance commemorates 67 years of the annual Emancipation Festival, also known as “August Festival”. The first August Festival was held in 1954.