Back to the Roots: What This Year’s Festival Changes Mean for You
Festival season is officially in the air! But if you’ve been paying attention, you would have noticed we’re going back to the old format. Yup, After a few years of centralizing the major musical acts and festivities in Road Town’s Festival Village, the 2025 Festival Committee is returning to tradition.
So… What Does This Change Mean?
This year, the East End Festival and Carrot Bay Festival will each host their own standalone schedules, bringing back the distinctive cultural experiences and beloved local traditions that made each district’s events special in the first place.
Expect the East End Rise & Shine tramp, Carrot Bay’s cultural showcase, and everything in between—all in their original glory.
What About All Access Passes?
With the return of separate district events, it’s important to note that All Access Passes may not grant entry across all locations or events—if they’re offered at all this year, we still haven’t seen anything about them.
One Thing Still Missing…
While many traditions are making a strong return,August Tuesday Horse Races remains absent. For many, this was more than just a sporting event. It was a time to dress to impress, celebrate in the winners’ circle, and gather with family for a full day of fun. Its absence leaves a nostalgic gap in the calendar, but the memories still live on yet fading.
A Moment to Reflect: Honoring a Festival Icon
As we prepare to celebrate, let’s take a moment to honor the late Mrs. Eileene L. Parsons, a cultural pioneer whose contributions shaped the Festival into what it is today. Her commitment to the arts, education, and cultural preservation spanned over 70 years.
In her memory, we encourage you to enjoy a few of the traditional elements she championed:
- Join the parade
- Learn a heritage dance
- Do something to keep the culture alive
2025 Festival Schedule Highlights
🎨 July 19 – Colour Fete
👑 July 20 – Prince and Princess Pageant
🎶 July 24 – Gospel Fest
🔥 July 25 – Torch Light Procession | Festival Village Opening | Village Entertainment
🎈 July 26 – Kiddies Fiesta (Rotary Club of Road Town) | Calypso Show | Village Entertainment
👑 July 27 – Miss BVI & Miss Junior BVI Coronation | Sour Splash | Village Entertainment
🎤 July 28 – Village Entertainment
🎤 July 29 – Soca Monarch | Village Entertainment
🎉 July 30 – Forever Young
🎤 July 31 – Village Entertainment
🥘 August 1 – Food Fair | International Reggae Night | Village After Math
🎶 August 2 – International Soca Night
⛵ August 3 – Emancipation Service | Boat Race | Village Entertainment | Anxiety Brunch
🌞 August 4 – Rise and Shine | Cool Spot Wet Fete | Grand Parade | Village Entertainment
🌴 August 5 – Brunch in the Jungle | East End Village Entertainment
🎭 August 6 – East End Jouvert | East End Parade | East End Village Entertainment
🎣 August 7 – Carrot Bay Fishing Tournament
🎉 August 8 – Carrot Bay Cultural Day | Carrot Bay Cultural Entertainment
🌊 August 9 – Carrot Bay Aquatic Sports | Carrot Bay Village Entertainment