Antigua and Barbuda is making a unique adjustment to its 2024 Independence anniversary calendar, bringing two beloved annual events together on a single day. The country’s popular National Food Fair will now run alongside the Junior Panorama steelpan competition on October 25, breaking from traditional separate scheduling for the festivities.
In an interview on the popular weekend Browne and Browne Show this past Saturday, Petley O’Keiffe, the Director of National Events for the country, shared new details about the revised celebration plan. According to O’Keiffe, all vendor vending spots for the combined food fair have already been completely reserved, signaling massive interest from local food producers and vendors ahead of the event. At the same time, secondary and primary schools across the nation that are taking part in the Junior Panorama competition are deep in active preparations, fine-tuning their performances for the iconic steelpan contest.
O’Keiffe explained that the co-hosting arrangement is designed to create a seamless, enjoyable experience for all attendees. Guests will first have the opportunity to sample a wide range of authentic local cuisines from across Antigua and Barbuda at the food fair, before making their way directly to the national stadium for the Junior Panorama competition. “You get something to eat, you come inside of the stadium and you enjoy some nice pan music,” she described the streamlined day of activities.
Entry pricing for the Junior Panorama event has also been confirmed: adult tickets will be priced at $20 per person, while discounted student tickets will be available for just $10. O’Keiffe noted that this reshuffled event lineup is part of broader adjustments made for the country’s milestone 45th anniversary of Independence. Additional major events tied to the anniversary, including planned Commonwealth-focused activities and an upcoming royal visit, have shaped the revised scheduling for this year’s celebrations.
The traditional ceremonial Independence parade, a centerpiece of the annual festivities, remains locked in for its original date of November 1. Event organizers are also adding extra layers of entertainment for attendees on parade day, and have planned a special exhibition cricket match that will feature teams including current and former heads of state.