BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The highly anticipated 28th St. Kitts Music Festival gets underway this evening (June 25), with high-energy performances from local, regional and international soca stars expected to set the tone for the three-night event.
Known for its vibrant "Jump Up" atmosphere on opening night, this year's lineup features some of the biggest names in the genre, including Trinidad and Tobago's Voice and the "King of Soca," Machel Montano. They will be joined by local powerhouse Rucas H.E., who is also expected to deliver an electrifying performance.
Festival organizers are anticipating an exciting start to one of the Caribbean's premier music events.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, T'Vanna Wharton, commended the teams at the Ministry of Tourism and the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for their work in organizing the festival, which is expected to boost visitor arrivals during the traditionally slower tourism season.
She said the St. Kitts Music Festival continues to demonstrate that, despite the Federation's size, its ambitions remain global.
"The St. Kitts Music Festival tells the world that although we are a small nation, our vision is large. We can stand on the stage with the best in the world and hold our own. We can welcome guests from every corner of the globe and make them genuinely feel that there is nowhere else they would rather be," Wharton said.
During a press conference at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, several of the featured artistes expressed their excitement about returning to perform at the festival and promised to give fans memorable performances.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Travis Rogers urged patrons to come out and enjoy the festivities while leaving all weapons at home, including licensed firearms.
He warned that licensed firearm holders will not be permitted to enter the venue with their weapons and any firearms brought to the festival will be seized.
Addressing other security measures, Rogers said patrons will be allowed to bring no more than five pre-rolled joints into the venue. However, flammable liquids, masks and horns will not be permitted.
"We just want a peaceful festival and ensure that everybody is safe," Rogers said.
The 2026 St. Kitts Music Festival runs from June 25 to 27 at Warner Park Cricket Stadium.
