DOWNTOWN, Freeport GBI- This Saturday, April 5^th, 2014 beginning at 3pm West Pioneers Way, Downtown Freeport will sound off with the First Annual Grand Bahama Band Festival. This musical extravaganza will feature local and national bands, high schools and community organizations including but not limited to: Bahamas Brass Band, Legends Marching Band, Pioneers Marching Band, Pathfinders Marching Band, Shiloh Eagles Band, BMES Rake n' Scrape and Pop Bands, and many more. There will also be a special guest appearance by the Fort Myers Marching Band out of South Florida.

The idea for Grand Bahama Band Festival, the birth child of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, surfaced out of a request by the 104 member Fort Myers Marching Band who contacted the Ministry of Tourism, seeking an opportunity to perform at a local festival during the weekend of April 5^th. In addition to the request to perform the band also sought out an opportunity to give back through a donation of some $17,000 worth of band equipment to local band members. At the time, there was no festival in place to accommodate this particular request, however, this presented a grand opportunity for both Government agencies to create the biggest band showcase known to Grand Bahama.

During today’s press conference at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, local marching band leaders and planning committee members spoke to the preparatory efforts and the excitement that will take place this weekend.

General Manger of the Grand Bahama Tourist office, Betty Bethel shared that as this year is being recognized by the Ministry of Tourism as its Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years of the existence of the Promotion of Tourism Act, the Ministry of Tourism is excited to embark on the birth of yet another signature festival in celebration of the year of culture. Ms. Bethel indicated that the arrival of the visiting band will have a significant impact on the economy through room occupancies, food and beverage purchases as well as transportation.

In addition, the festival will allow local vendors to receive their share of the economic revitalization through food purchases at the festival site.

Ms. Bethel continued in sharing that transportation industry partners; S&D Coach Tours and the GB Taxi Union, would be offering free round trip transportation to hotel guests. She added that during this weekend, Grand Bahama can look forward to the continued revitalization.

Mrs. Monique Leary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture shared the excitement that went into the planning of the event, noting that this event will feature many of the talents showcased at the recent National Arts festival. She added that the festival would bring with it much variety for all to enjoy.