An “exciting” calendar of events has been prepared for this year’s Independence celebrations, according to Mark Humes, chairman of the 45th Independence Secretariat, who said the public could look forward to improvements from last year.
“Every event this year is going to be a highlight,” Humes said.
“We’ve worked hard to put together an exciting week of events and we want everyone to come out, celebrate with us and show their Bahamian pride.”
A week of cultural and community events has been organized to commemorate the anniversary. The celebrations begin on Friday, June 29, with the Official Launch of the Independence season by Prime Minister Dr. Hubert A. Minnis in Rawson and Parliament Squares. Festivities end on Independence Day, July 10, with a formal State Reception at Government House.
“We would like the public to begin to show their Bahamian pride. Hoist flags, place flags on their cars, drape their homes with flags and clean up their perspective areas. This is our time to celebrate,” Humes declared.
Calendar of events
Friday, June 29
OFFICIAL LAUNCH: 6:00 p.m., Rawson and Parliament Squares
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Hubert Minnis to officially open the activities
Entertainment:
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force Pop Band
Aquinas Acers Pop Band
RUSH TO INDEPENDENCE: 7:30 p.m.
Junkanoo Rushout
Sunday, July 1
BEAT RETREAT: 5:30 p.m.
Parliament and Rawson Squares
Live Performances by:
The Royal Bahamas Police Force
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force
The Bahamas Correctional Services
Monday, July 2
COMMAND PERFORMANCE: 7:00 p.m.
Performing Arts Theatre
Keva Bethel Building
University of The Bahamas
Featuring:
Audrey Dean Wright
The National Youth Choir
The National Children’s Choir
The Bahamas National Youth Orchestra
The National Dance School
Audrey Dean Wright
The Bahamas National Symphony Orchestra
Thursday, July 5
QUEEN’S NEW YEAR’S HONOURS
Friday, July 6
NATIONAL PRIDE & FLAG RAISING DAY
Parliament and Rawson Squares: 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Flag Raising Ceremony by Her Excellency The Governor General
Historic Walk Down Memory Lane
Entertainment by:
The National Youth Orchestra
Finalists of the first National Recording Artists Search
Tropical Depression
Mount Moriah Transformers
Charlie the Yellow Man
Scorch Conch Band
Essay Finalists will read their winning essays
Announcement of winners of National Recording Artists and Essay Competitions
Bahamian food and craft vendors display and sell their wares
Saturday, July 7
NATIONAL HEALTH FUN, RUN & WALK: 6:00 a.m. sharp
Goodman’s Bay
Run six miles or walk three miles
$15 Registration (includes a T-Shirt)
Health Fair: featuring Junkaerobics (live Junkanoo band) doctors, fitness experts, nutritionists, glucose checks, blood pressure testing, native fruits and vegetables by BAMSI, Bahamian breakfast: boiled fish and Johnny cake, chicken souse
Monday, July 9
45th GRAND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS TATTOO & FIREWORKS DISPLAY: 8:00 p.m.
Clifford Park
Ecumenical Service
Mini Concert
Tattoo and March Pass
Fireworks Display
Tuesday, July 10
THE PEOPLE’S LOVE AND UNITY RUSH: 1:00 a.m.
Independence Junkanoo Achievement Awards
Rush from: East Street to George Street – one lap
NATIONAL HERO’S AWARD: 11:00 a.m.
Government House
STATE RECEPTION: 6:00 p.m.
Government House
