The Gombey festival showcase makes a comeback this weekend for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak with Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, urging everyone to embrace it.

The vibrant, free event is being held from Friday to Sunday after a two-year absence owing to the pandemic.

The Botanical Gardens showring will be the focus of the festival on Saturday, where performances will take place between 5pm and 9pm.

Dr Peets said: “The history of the Gombey is reflective of Bermuda’s cultural heritage and our Gombeys are Bermuda’s most recognisable and iconic cultural symbol.

“After a two-year hiatus, we are delighted to welcome back the Gombey festival, which has grown considerably over the years.

“This weekend, we hope to see as many people as possible supporting these events.”

The showcase will see Place’s New Generation Gombeys celebrating their 65th anniversary.

Also taking part will be the Gombey Warriors and various other performers.

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The festival will also feature a short film screening on Friday, which the department of culture describes as “discussing intellectual property issues around Gombeys as they discuss what it is like to be both art and artists, beloved by the community and unable to protect the culture that they preserve from commercialism”.

Referring to the festival, a Department of Culture spokesman said: “Bring a blanket or chair and head to the hillside or bleachers to watch five of Bermuda’s Gombey troupes display their passion and artistry in the annual Gombey festival showcase.”

On Sunday there will a “mask-off Gombey family fun day” at Xtreme Sports FunZone, St David’s between 2pm and 6pm.

A spokesman said: “Wind down the Gombey festival weekend with an afternoon of fun for the whole family at FunZone.

“With music vibes from father-son duo DJ Mico and DJ Hershey, enjoy all games for free.

“This is an opportunity for the Gombey community to connect behind-the-mask and for the broader community to join in with fun for the whole family.”