Change of venue for BeachFest
Special drink prices, an affordable food menu, scores of local entertainment and two international DJs - those are just some of the exciting offerings in store at tomorrow’s BeachFest.The Emancipation Day event typically happens at Horseshoe Bay Beach, but due to a “lack of funding” has been moved to Snorkel Park this year.Organisers are still confident attendees will have a blast in Dockyard and are making the list of offerings sweeter than ever to attract a good crowd.Gavin Smith, co-founder of Chewstick, said: “Throughout the day and into the evening we will have performances from a bunch of different artists who have done a lot of work on the local scene.“There will be everything from the Fabulous Ukuladies, Eric Bean who is going to be doing a dynamic dance routine, reggae artists like Hype Type and E-Levels, Bermuda’s best reggae band at the moment ‘Yellow Brick Road’ and rock band Sonique Sanctuary.”If that’s not enough, the party is expected to get even hotter after sundown, thanks to a host of local and international DJs “playing the hottest music throughout the night”.On offer will be Vibe 103 FM’s DJ Chubb and DJ Rusty G and Hott 107.5’s Selecta Fray, as well as international guests - DJ Agile, from Toronto, and DJ Castro, from New York, who will also be playing the latest tunes.Mr Smith said beach goers planning to hit Horseshoe Bay in the afternoon, can still travel further west for the party portion of the event, starting tomorrow at 7pm, until 3am.He said the event was designed to be a safe and fun day and encouraged people to come out and show their support.“It’s all the stuff BeachFest is known for and it’s all in support of Chewstick and all the work we do in the community throughout the year,” he added.“I think a lot of times people lose sight of this being our primary annual fundraiser, so it’s important to remember that while it’s fun, a big part is also to raise money for a good cause. We would like to see people come out and have a good time.”He said people could expect the same exciting “jouvert spirit” that happened at the May 24 parade, complete with wild coloured powders and paints. But he admitted this wasn’t the type of event where people should come dressed to impress, but rather “come prepared to have fun and get down”.“This isn’t the party where you come in your high heels, you need to come in flipflops and be ready to have a good time,” he explained.A host of games and sporting activities like tug-o-war, beach football and volleyball will be kicking off during the day. And prizes and give-aways will be awarded to people in the crowd.Attendees can also take advantage of the Snorkel Park facility and slides; and everything from jet skis, paddleboats and snorkle equipment will be available to rent.Sponsors for this year’s event are Digicel, Blue Halo and the Department of Tourism. “We are also really excited about partnering with Snorkel Park, which will be offering $4 Swizzle through the entire event and drink specials during Happy Hour,” Mr Smith said.Snorkel Park will also be offering their food menu at reasonable prices. People are encouraged to bring beach mats and chairs, however outside food and beverages are not allowed.BeachFest activities will start at noon; entry is $10 during the day and $20 in the evening. Late night ferries will be leaving Dockyard, heading to Albouy’s Point, at 2.15am and 3.15am.Organisers have set up a late-night ferry heading back to Albouy's Point. The Government fast ferries will also be running to and from Dockyard all day and night, as per the usual holiday schedule. Extra taxis have also been requested for 3am - 4am to ensure that all BeachFest attendees have a safe option for getting home.More than 1,000 international party goers expected to come out for the Jouvert party tomorrow night, thanks to passengers from cruise ships like the Norweigan Breakaway and Dawn.Tickets will also be available at the door.More information on the event can be found at www.beachfestbermuda.com; or look for BeachFest Bermuda on Facebook.