COUNTDOWN TO ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023 BEGINS NOW

FEATURE

Three-quarters of the way down the chain of islands that separate the Caribbean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean lies the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Over the past decade, the twin-island nation has diversified its economy away from dependence on sugar. Small as they are, St. Kitts and Nevis are significant players in the global tourism industry, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Both islands boast beautiful beaches, hiking trails and world-class hotels and resorts. But these assets are only part of the islands' appeal.

In addition to soaking up the sun and enjoying the natural beauty, visitors travel yearly to the larger islands for the St. Kitts Music Festival (SKMF).

The festival has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1996 and has earned a solid reputation as one of the biggest and best of its kind in the Caribbean.

The festival was seen as a way to boost economic activity on the island. Core objectives, we’ve been told, were to increase visitor arrivals and create greater awareness of the destination. Central to the operation from the start was a determination to use the event as a showcase for the talents of homegrown artists. The St. Kitts Music Festival is arguably one of the most diverse in the Caribbean.

WORDS | LATOYA JONES

SEAN PAUL PERFORMING IN 2022 | PHOTOGRAPHER CREATEONE MEDIA •

In its 26 year history, the three day event has seen some of the world’s most indemand entertainers, across many genres, perform on the festival's stages. They have included Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Tyrese Gibson, Freddie Jackson, Nas, Outkast, DMX, Michael Bolton, Hugh Ma- sakela, James Ingram, Kool and the Gang, Lionel Richie and Eve.

The 24th staging of the event followed a two year hiatus, courtesy of Covid. In 2022, organisers promised an event like no other; from all accounts, with the help of the stellar cast of local, regional and international artists, they both delivered on that promise and surpassed the expectations of all who attended.

Wale, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, Beres Hammond, Popcaan, Voice, Jada Kingdom, Sean Paul and Destra were just a few stars who thrilled their adoring fans at the comeback event in June 2022. It was so good that many observers feel it will be a tough act to follow, but the festival team is determined to up the ante again, and is promising to deliver another exceptional lineup in 2023.

The St. Kitts Music Festival will be staged on 22, 23 and 24 June 2023. If you decide to travel to St. Kitts for this 25th edition of the festival, you should venture deeper into the Sugar Isle. There are some things you must see, some experiences you must have, and several culinary delights you have to savour.

MUSIC FESTIVAL TRAVEL PACKAGE

TRAVEL: WED 21 - WED 28 JUNE 2023

STAYING AT THE TIMOTHY BEACH RESORT. 7 NIGHTS STAY IN A MOUNTAIN VIEW ROOM £1,030PP INCLUDES 1 FREE NIGHT STAY & DAILY BREAKFAST. UPGRADE TO OCEAN VIEW ROOM FOR AN ADDITIONAL £35PP & RECEIVE 2 NIGHTS FREE.

Price includes return flights with British Airways from Gatwick, 7-nights hotel inclusive of daily breakfast and return transfer. is the heart of the islands' cruise tourism industry. This is where all the ships dock, and tourists disembark to explore Saint Kitts. On any given day, you can see hundreds of tourists milling around, shopping in search of souvenirs and enjoying some of the local food and drinks. A popular activity is having your picture taken (at up to US$10 a time!) with vervet monkeys adorned in cute outfits by their respective trainers/ handlers.

takes passengers on a three hour tour around a 30 mile circle of the island. Built between 1912 and 1926, the railway and train transported sugar cane from plantations to the factory in Basseterre. The Scenic Railway is said to be the last passenger-carrying railway running in the West Indies. It allows visitors to experience the island's unspoilt scenery whilst being treated to stories of its rich and colourful history.

is a well-preserved example of 17th-18th century military architecture.

The fortress was designed by the British and built by African slaves. It is testimony to the European colonisation, the African slave trade and the emergence of new societies in the Caribbean.

is thoroughly entwined with the island’s colonial history. The sprawling eight acre property has a rich history that dates back to the 1600's. It was owned by Sam Jefferson, the great-greatgrandfather of the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. When sugar cane production on the estate ended, attention shifted to the property's garden and active archaeological site. The beautiful gardens and grounds, along with the fabulous designs on offer at Caribelle Batik's shop, all contribute to Romney Manor being one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

FOR FULL DETAILS AND TO BOOK CALL SACKVILLE TRAVEL 020 7274 2242

AT THE ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL 22 - 24 JUNE 2023

Over the years, the St. Kitts stage has welcomed global icons Lionel Richie, Ashanti, Aswad, Maxi Priest, Goo Goo Dolls, and more—and next year’s lineup is sure to be just as impressive. Join us for three summer nights of calypso, soca, R&B, and reggae.