Tickets to the eleventh Taste of Bermuda Festival are set to go on sale next month, with the City of Hamilton highlighting a series of events to be held under the festival banner.

Dwayne Caines, chief executive of the City of Hamilton, announced this morning that the 2024 festival would launch on October 17 with an event held at Cambridge Beaches in Sandys.

A bartending competition will come the following night at Bacardi International Headquarters, while the Saturday will feature the City Hall All-White Ball, which will boast live entertainment and a menu created in collaboration with the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

“We are curating a series of events that showcase the diversity and creativity of Bermuda’s culinary talent,” Mr Caines said.

“To wrap up the weekend, the Taste Village Festival of Flavours will transform City Hall car park and the front lawn into a lively street festival offering a family-friendly day of food, entertainment and fun.”

Mr Caines also announced that Mastercard had signed on to become the event’s main sponsor, stating that the festival would be presented by the Mastercard Flavour Programme.

He said the partnership with Mastercard was a significant milestone for the festival and a testament to the event’s growing reputation locally and internationally.

“This collaboration is more than just sponsorship, it is a partnership rooted in shared values and mutual commitment to excellence,” he said.

“Mastercard’s involvement underscores the increasing reach of Taste of Bermuda, paving the way for future growth and expansion.”

Clarence Hofheins, general manager of Cambridge Beaches, said the resort was thrilled to host the opening event of the festival, adding that the event would feature a menu crafted by chefs from Surf at the Azura resort and Cambridge Beaches’ own Sunken Harbour Club.

“Both of these chefs know Bermuda and they are going to take you all through a journey of Bermuda-inspired cuisine,” he said.

Dennis Tucker, the acting Mayor of Hamilton, said Taste of Bermuda has become one of the most highly anticipated events in the city calendar, showcasing Bermuda’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene.

“Taste of Bermuda is more than just a food festival,” he said. “It is a celebration of who we are, a community that takes pride in our traditions while embracing innovation and new ideas.

“It is a time when our local talent shines, when businesses of all sizes come together and when residents and visitors alike can experience the rich flavours that define our island.”