The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE 40th annual Goombay Summer Festival, a signature cultural event featuring the best in live Bahamian entertainment, opened on Independence Day at Taino Beach, Freeport, and will run for five weeks.

Brooke Sherman, public relations officer for the Ministry of Tourism, said this week that visitors and residents can expect performances from the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, Ira Storr, The Spank Band, Stileet, Veronica Bishops, Dyson Knight, Wilfred Solomon, Geno D, Puzzle and KB. The festival runs from 6pm to midnight. There will be booths with authentic Bahamian cuisine and craft.

Betty Bethel, Director of Tourism for Grand Bahama Island, said the festival is designed to heighten the visitor experience and increase spending, driving economic growth. She said visitors and locals will be able to enjoy mingling with Grand Bahamians and various cultural food demonstrations, nature walks, and bush tea tasting.

Goombay Summer was originally launched in 1974, and it became a huge attraction for visitors. The festival was sometimes called Junkanoo in June and Junkanoo Summer Festival, but more recently, it has returned to its original name.