Road Town's 27th Christmas in the City
Road Town came alive over the weekend for the 27th annual Christmas in the City, a two-night family festival featuring live music, children’s activities and Santa appearances. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley joined organisers to hand out gifts while local schools, youth groups and bands took centre stage.
Road Town hosted the 27th edition of Christmas in the City over the weekend, drawing families and visitors to two nights of music, children’s activities and seasonal festivities. Organisers said the long-running event presented the usual operational challenges, with the city team working on site ahead of the weekend to complete setup.
City Manager Janice Brathwaite noted that careful planning and on-the-ground effort were required to stage the public gatherings safely and smoothly. Youth groups and schools formed a central part of the programme. Local organisations that performed included the Girl Guides, the recorder group from Alexandrina Maduro Primary School and Francis Lettsome Primary School, which made its first appearance at the event.
For many students and youth participants, the festival offered a high-profile opportunity to showcase talents to family and community members. The musical lineup mixed established acts with new arrivals. Leon and the Hot Shots performed on the first night. The second night featured the debut of the band Splash and a Saturday appearance by Four Strong International, the group associated with the late Delores Christopher, which moved from its usual Friday slot.
Santa activities ran across both evenings. Children up to 10 years old received gifts during the first night, while older children aged 11 to 14 had the chance to meet Santa’s helpers on the second night. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley appeared in character as Santa and took part in handing out presents, adding a high-profile touch to the community-focused celebrations.
A dedicated children’s zone operated throughout the festival, offering bouncy houses and popular treats such as popcorn, coloured popcorn and coloured cotton candy. The family-friendly layout was designed to keep younger attendees entertained while musical acts performed on stage.
Brathwaite confirmed that no honourees were named at this year’s Christmas in the City. Organisers said they plan to resume recognitions when the event reaches its 30th anniversary, signalling a look ahead to more formal acknowledgements of community contributors in future editions.
Photographs from the weekend captured the crowds, performances and festive atmosphere, underscoring the event’s role as a seasonal highlight for residents and visitors in the British Virgin Islands.
Primary source: BVI News