Gospel Fest expected to be bigger and better
Itâs growing in leaps and bounds, and expected to get bigger.
Organizers of the 2009 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Gospel Festival believe that the attendances and participation in this yearâs event will surpass those of the last seven years of the Festivalâs existence.{{more}}
At Tuesdayâs official launch of the festival, a month of activities, which is set to begin on April 2nd and run until the 24th, was announced. Chairman of the SVGGF Committee Fidel Taylor said that the participation is expected to increase significantly over the years, with more churches and denominations preparing to display the talents of its members in various performing arts.
Since its inception in 2003, the Festival has grown from 135 entries from 53 churches with 886 participants, to 397 entries and 1391 participants coming from 94 churches.
Also noticing and applauding the meteoric rise was Culture Minister Rene Baptiste, who said that the growth in the Festival could be credited to the zoning of the Festival.
The Festival is divided into seven zones, showcasing music and song, dance and drama.
The zones are North Leeward, South Leeward, Kingstown, Marriaqua, The Grenadines, South Windward and North Windward.
Taylor indicated that emphasis would be placed mainly on ministry during the festival this year, as opposed to entertainment in previous festivals.
He said that the committee is hoping to use the performances to reach out to persons from all walks of life in an effort to draw them closer to God, in a time when many are going through rough times.
Taylor gave special thanks to the sponsors, some of whom have increased their donations to the Festival this year.
The main sponsors of the Festival this year are the Department of Culture, Digicel, Bryden and Partners (SVG) Ltd, the Department of Tourism, Korean Divine Designs, Sugar George Rentals, New Life Ambassadors and SVGLinkUp .com
A Gospel Awards show is scheduled to take place on May 9th following the Festival. (JJ)
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