While thousands of Vincentians were occupied with the hustle and bustle of Sunday Christmas shopping, members of the Digicel Nelson Bloc mas band were busy displaying costumes for this country’s premier cultural festival that’s still more than six months away.{{more}}

The band took the opportunity to unleash its 2008 presentation, ‘Shanghai Nights’, to an enthusiastic audience at the Cruise Ship Terminal, displaying not only the designs for the 12 sections of the band, but also presenting costumes from six sections.

Sunday’s launching was held under the theme: “The re-gathering – a celebration of 25 years of mas production”.

Culture Minister René Baptiste, back in the state after two months in Cuba, where she had undergone surgery, congratulated the band for being in the business for as long as it has, and for the early launch to the June 27th to July 8th spectacular.

She also praised the designers and corporate sponsor Digicel for supporting the organization.

The band performed the feat of having half of the twelve sections available for display on launch night, with costumes being showcased by models from Mije modeling agency.

The sections from which to choose are: House of Flying Daggers; The Ying and the Yang; New Years Festival; Lantern Festival; Jadettes; Silk Traders; Fireworks; Marjhong; Ladies of the Night; Opera; Silk Traders and Imperial Guards.

Nelson Bloc first came on the scene in 1983 with a presentation called Excerpts from a Chinese Movie.

They have since won nine band of the year titles, including two hat tricks. (JJ)