“Restoring the land,” taken from Bible verse Joel 2: 21-26 is the theme for this year’s St Vincent and the Grenadines Gospel Fest.

The event runs from April 12 to 26 and will kick off on Sunday, April 12 at the Victoria Park, beginning at 6 p.m.{{more}}

The opening, which will cost patrons EC$20, will feature among others Called Out, KLT Dancers, Yeshua Praise, Flow, Blessed Voices, Tishorn Edwards, Overland Baptist Church Dancers, Resor & Nickwana, Gabriella Gurley and guest artiste evangelist Marvia Providence of Canada.

On Friday, April 17, an event called “Praise Him in the Dance” will be held at the Peace Memorial Hall beginning at 6 p.m. Persons will pay $5 for this venue and will be entertained by gospel dance groups from around the country.

Saturday, April 18 will be “Praise Him in the Drama.” Persons will once again travel to the Peace Memorial Hall, this time from 7 p.m. Admission is $5 and this event will see poetry reading, monologues, mimes and skits from local performers.

Zonal Gospel Showcases will be held on Sunday, April 19 at various venues beginning at 6 p.m., while Friday, April 24, “Sing A New Song” will be held at the Faith Temple Church from 6 p.m. During this event, persons will be asked to sing a new or original song to win prizes and awards.

On Saturday, April 25, the Bequia Gospel Showcase will take place at the Clive Tannis Playing Field’s hardcourt from 8 p.m. Admission is $20 and this event will feature, Blessed Voices, AFM Dancers, Bequia Pentecostal Dancers, Dawlyn Bynoe and guest artiste Bridgette Blucher.

Sunday, April 26 is a National Gospel Showcase at Victoria Park from 6 p.m. Admission is $20 and this will see performances from local singers, dancers and dramatists. Guest artistes will be in the form of Bridgette Blucher and Allan Charles of England.

The festival will be coordinated by Michael Peters.