As family and friends return for the December festival season, you are probably wondering how to keep them busy. Here’s a list of activities happening during December 2017.
MAC4 Exhibition opens December 5 and runs until January 2, 2018. It is a mixed media exhibition organised by the Montserrat Arts Council.
This year’s artists are Kirk Brade, Susan Edgecombe, Thanendran Singarajah and Valbaun Galloway.
Venue: Montserrat National Trust, Salem | Time: Weekdays from 9AM to 4PMÂ | Cost: FREE
Christmas Caroling on Monday, December 25  – A FREE event where community groups come together to celebrate the reason for the season.
Venue: TBA |Time: 7PM | Cost: Free
Soca Monarch on Tuesday, December 26 – Find out who the groovy and jumpy soca kings or queens will be.
Venue: Festival Village | Time: 8PM | Cost: TBD
St. John’s Day – All Day party from sun up to long after the sun sets in the heart of St. Johns.
Night of the Bands on Thursday, December 28 – Live Bands every half hour.
Venue: Festival Village | Time: 8PM | Cost: TBD
Ole School Dance Party on Thursday, December 28 – This is a grown folks party. Wear your party shoes and come prepared to dance all night as we raise funds for the Meals on Wheels programme.
Venue: Vue Pointe Hotel | Time: 8PM – 2AM | Cost: EC$ 50
Queen of Queens on Friday, December 29 – This is a competition featuring the best female calypsonians from across the region. Montserrat’s entry will be the female with the highest ranking after the semi-finals. The music and entertainment is always top notch.
Venue: Festival Village | Time: 8PM | Cost: TBD
Calypso Finals on Saturday, December 30 – Now that the numbers have dwindled, the stakes will be higher. You don’t want to miss this entertaining night which features the best of the best of local singers.
Venue: Festival Village | Time: 8PM | Cost: TBD
Salem Nights Live at Bamboo Grill on Salem main road, every Saturday.
Cost: $10
Spanish Nights at Aqua Seafood. Put on your dancing shoes and come learn salsa or show the newbies how it is done. Spanish dancers and Spanish DJ
Calypso Eliminations are on Saturday, December 9. This is the best night to hear the good and the bad from all the veterans and newcomers to calypso.
Venue: Festival Village, Little Bay | Time: 8PM | Cost: $10
Market Day & Christmas Goodies Competition on Friday, December 15. Sample tasty treats and stock up on meats, fruits and vegetables for the season. Lots of entertainment.
Venue: Little Bay Market | Time: 6AM to 6PM | Cost: FREE
SongFest 10Â on Friday, December 15 – This is the 10th year for this original song competition organised by the Church of God of Prophecy. More than 20 children and adults compete for the top spot and prizes.
Venue: Montserrat Cultural Centre | Time: 7PM | Cost: $20
Volcano Catch – December 16 – 17. Fishers compete for $50,000 in cash and prizes.
Location: Marine Village Little Bay
Sir Howard Fergus Scholarship Fund Dinner on Saturday, December 16 – This annual event raises funds to assist students pursuing careers in the creative and entrepreneurial sectors.
Venue: Montserrat Cultural Centre | Time: TBD | Cost: $100
St John’s Action Club Princess Show on Sunday, December 17 – This evening filled with young talent is a reason to get dressed up and cheer on your favourite princess.
Venue: Montserrat Cultural Centre | Time: 7:30PM | Cost $25 (Adult) $15 (Child)
Governor’s Christmas Open House on December 18. Her Excellency the Governor Elizabeth Carriere will open her home for children to enjoy.
Venue: Government House, Woodlands | Time: 12:30 – 3:30 PM | Cost: FREE
Nite of Pan on Wednesday, December 20 – Steel bands from the local primary schools, Volpanics and Genysis Steel Orchestra play traditional and the latest hits all night long. There is always a visiting pan group from neighbouring Antigua, which is sure to thrill the audience.
Venue: Festival Village | Time: 8PM | Cost: TBD
Expose, Compose Shoot Photography Workshop on Thursday, December 21. Register at the Montserrat Arts Council as spaces are limited.
Opening of Festival on Friday, December 22 – Get a taste of what is to come for the 55th celebration of the Annual Festival.
Venue: Festival Village | Time: 6PM | Cost: FREE
Calypso Semi-Finals on Friday, December 22 – The best ten will go through to the finals to take on the reigning calypso king, King Natty. This event begins after the official opening of festival ends in the village.
Venue: Festival Village | Time: 8PM | Cost: TBD
