The 2022 National Lotteries Christmas/Nine Mornings Festival will be officially launched this Sunday, December 4 at Heritage Square, in Kingstown, from 7:00 p.m.

The festival was interrupted in 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the eruption of La Soufriere Volcano.
The organisation committee said in a release that Sunday’s launch will feature the return of the street parade, where patrons will engage in a candle light cultural street procession through the streets of Kingstown, commencing at Heritage Square at 6:00 p.m and returning to Heritage Square.

The parade will be accompanied by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines (RSVG) Police Force Band, and will also feature dance groups, community groups, drumming groups, and X-Pan from Sion Hill.

On returning to Heritage Square the other events will commence with a short opening ceremony  which would include the blessing of the festival by the Pastor Randy Boucher, and worship from the Exalt Him Worship Ministries. The Epic Sound Steel Orchestra will provide steel band music and a special mini presentation will be done by the RSVG Police Band.

The Launch will also hear Christmas greetings from the chairman of the National Nine Mornings Committee, with corporate sponsors- the National Lotteries Authority and Vinlec bringing remarks. Minister of Culture, Carlos James will then declare the festival open with the turning on of the lights at the Square. 

The St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Christmas and Nine Mornings Committee will recognize a number of community stalwarts for their invaluable contribution to the festival over the years.

A varied cultural package will climax the evenings’ activities.