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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Festival Noel Packs them In -
The lights were twinkling, the wine chilling, the food simmering, the art displayed, the band tuned - all just in time for over 300 guests to pour into the Rand Nature Centre at the 20th Festival Noel. The annual event held by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Grand Bahama branch officially opens the festive season on the island. Sponsored by Bristol Wines and Spirits each year, the night is held in one of Grand Bahama’s three national parks under the stars (with help from thousands of Christmas lights). Pictured left to right are Shamie Rolle, GB BNT Branch Chairman, Philip Pinder, Festival Noel Committee, Karin Sanchez, BNT Council Member, Larry Glinton, BNT President, Sheldon Saint, Featured Artist, Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager, Eric Carey, BNT Executive Director.
(Photo Derek Carroll)
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Freeport, Grand Bahama – The lights were twinkling, the wine chilling, the food simmering, the art displayed, the band tuned - all just in time for over 300 guests to pour into the Rand Nature Centre to enjoy the 20th annual Festival Noel.
The popular event, held by the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) Grand Bahama Regional Branch, officially opens the festive season on the island. Sponsored by Bristol Wines and Spirits each year, the event is held at one of Grand Bahama’s three national parks under the stars (with help from thousands of Christmas lights).
Traveling from Nassau this year for his first time at the Festival, BNT President Lawrence Glinton was overwhelmed by the event. “It is really fantastic to be here! As this is the 20th anniversary of Festival Noel, a few of us flew in from Nassau to show our support for the Freeport branch of The Bahamas National Trust.”
(Photo Derek Carroll)
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He noted, “One of my main objectives as new president, is to encourage the use of the parks by the public, so they can understand that while we are establishing the parks we are trying to do it for public enjoyment and also to fulfill the conservation aspect of our organization, and Festival Noel achieves that.”
Spread out over the grounds of the park there were six different sections to visit, offering a variety of wines, food, art and more. “This is my second year with Bahamian Brewery and my second year participating with Festival Noel for the company,” said Winston Moss, sales representative at Bahamian Brewery and Beverage. “I have personally been involved with Festival Noel for many years. Each year it seems to be getting bigger and better. The funds that derive from this event go 100% to the Rand Nature Centre to help preserve it and all the other natural aspects surrounding it. We are very proud to be a part of it and we look forward to having a continued partnership from here on in.”
Twenty Year Sponsorship of Festival Noel and Support awarded to Bristol Wines & Spirits, Freeport Advertising and Printing, Ken Heslop and Barton and Carolyn Millighan (not pictured).
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During this year’s Festival, the BNT honoured those who have supported them for all 20 years that the event has been in existence, including Bristol Wines and Spirits, Freeport Advertising and artist Ken Heslop. Special mention was also given to Barton and Carolyn Milligan who started Festival Noel and have been huge supporters ever since, but were unable to attend this year.
“We extend our greatest thanks of all to our sponsors,” said Karin Sanchez, BNT council member. “This event could not happen without them and we are truly grateful for all of their support. We say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The fundraiser is held annually at the Rand Nature Centre and this year’s funds will be dedicated to upgrading the Rand Nature Centre building and will help provide state-of-the-art facilities for environmental education programmes for children, and improve the visitor experience.
Bristol Wines and Spirits Supports Festival Noel For Twenty Years -
During this year’s Festival, the BNT honoured those who have supported them for all 20 years that the event has been in existence, including Bristol Wines and Spirits, Freeport Advertising and artist Ken Heslop. Special mention was also given to Barton and Carolyn Milligan who started Festival Noel and have been huge supporters ever since, but were unable to attend this year.
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“Heartfelt thanks goes out to the hardworking staff and volunteers of the Bahamas National Trust who worked tirelessly to ensure our 20th Festival Noel was a huge success,” said Lakeshia Anderson, Grand Bahama Parks Manager. “We truly appreciate their dedication and continued support to the BNT. Special thanks to our planning committee, Sarah Kirkby, Lisa Wildgoose, Karin Sanchez, Ellsworth Weir and Philip Pinder, for a phenomenal job of fundraising and organizing the event.
Colombian Emeralds' Table at Festival Noel (Photo Derek Carroll)
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Two Left Feet Performing in the Stage Area of Festival Noel -
Two Left Feet were back for a second year performing at Festival Noel and really got the crowd dancing.
(Photo Derek Carroll)
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Art On Display at Festival Noel
Ralph Munnings, who has been to Festival Noel as a performer, displayed his work for the first time as an exhibiting artist!
(Photo Derek Carroll)
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Agave Dazzling Festival Noel Guests With Culinary Delights
Photo Derek Carroll)
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