Strong cast of 2,500 for Independence Grand Gala
By: , August 5, 2014The Key Point:
The Facts
- The majority of the cast consists of community groups from the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew.
- According to Minister Hanna, “this year, the Grand Gala will be an awe-inspiring celebration of Jamaica’s global impact through the Cultural and Creative Industries”.
The Full Story
The Ministry of Youth and Culture says there will be more than 2,500 performers on show at the Grand Gala on August 6 at the National Stadium to celebrate Jamaica’s 52nd Independence anniversary.
The majority of the cast consists of community groups from the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew.
The Minister of Youth and Culture, the Honourable Lisa Hanna, MP said: “Most of the performers were suspicious of each other at the beginning of the rehearsals a week ago because of where they lived and so I am very pleased to see this transformation — they are working together, they have overcome distrust, and will put on a spectacular show to mark our nation’s Independence”.
According to Minister Hanna, “this year, the Grand Gala will be an awe-inspiring celebration of Jamaica’s global impact through the Cultural and Creative Industries”.
The programme will be highlighted by mass group formations, recognition of cultural stalwarts and a showcase of the best performing and entertainment artistes.
The Grand Gala will begin at 5:30 in the afternoon with a celebration of the Blue and John Crow Mountains as an important heritage site for its unique flora and inhabitants, the Maroons. The Ministry of Youth and Culture has nominated the mountains and its unique features for inscription on Unesco’s World Heritage List.
Another of the segments will focus on the 100th anniversary of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, founded by the National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Garvey.
Inspirational and iconic Jamaican singers Marcia Griffiths, Freddy McGregor and the Skatalites will be recognised during the programme for 50 years of service to Jamaica’s music industry.
Griffiths and McGregor will headline the musical performances which will include Etana, Agent Sasco and the Alpha Boys’ Band.
Admission to the Grand Gala is free with tickets which were being distributed through Tastee Patties and Juici Patties.
In addition to the Grand Gala, there will be celebration activities, free of cost, across the island to mark Independence.
Minister Hanna said there would be other celebration activities across the country.
The fashion theme for Independence is the national colours with a ‘tups a white’. The white symbolises our commitment to peace and preserving the innocence of our children.