CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – RAIN could not prevent Nevisians from going out in their numbers yesterday (July 12) to witness the contestants for this year’s Culture Queen Pageant’s “Rip the Runway” held at the netball complex in Charlestown.

A sharp shower, which sent spectators scampering for cover minutes after the delayed start, took a further 20 minutes off the programme but fans who returned were treated to a colourful display of fashion by the Sensational Six, as this year’s contestants are dubbed, and several other models.

The contestants and models displayed clothing from several fashion houses and designers around Nevis, including Yvonne’s Unique Fashion, Look Smart Fashions, Big Timers, Erm’s Fancy Store, Desi’s Variety Store, Simon’s Contempo Fashions, Sugar Clothing Line, Riff Raff Designs, Gemini Fashions, D’s and J’s Fashion, Fanny’s Variety Story, Sports Zone and Empress Yejide Parry.

One session, in which they appeared in black and white, was dedicated as a tribute to the ‘Fallen Soldiers’ of Culturama. These included founder Calvin Howell, Anna Mills and Lord Harmony.

Patrons, who included Premier Joseph Parry, Deputy Premier Hensley Daniel, Minister Carlisle Powell and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Laurie Lawrence, were also treated to performances by the Halstead ‘Sooty’ Byron-led I-Africana Drummers, and the Rhythmz Dance Theatre.

Arriving fans were earlier given a red carpet welcome outside the gates of the complex.