'In the Spirit of Christmas' kicks off tonight

By Vondez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, in collaboration with Chippie, invites the general public to participate in the 2008 edition of ‘In the Spirit of Christmas’.

The annual event commences tonight (Nov. 8) from 8:00 at the Circus and will continue nightly, with the exception of Thursday, at the same time until Friday, December 12.

The four-night event is expected to showcase various local vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs, drummers and steel and string orchestras heralding the Christmas spirit.

Chairperson of the Organising Committee Clarissa Langly informed SKNVibes that the event is that aspect of Carnival that focuses on “the real reason of the season”.

“This event is to keep Christ in our Christmas celebrations. We want the churches to recognise that the National Carnival Committee is not closing its doors on them. We acknowledge that carnival should include everyone and so this is the aspect for the church.”

Langly said tonight would start with a small opening ceremony and would feature renowned local acts including Creighton Pencheon, Tamboro Kitwana and Nigel ‘Numpy’ Williams.

“The Tuesday night programme will mainly feature church organisations and would showcase dance, drama and poetry at their best! All the messages will be relating to Christ’s birth and works. Wednesday night performances will be of the statutory bodies and financial institutions including Social Security, the Prison and a number of factories.”

Langly noted that although there would be no Thursday night event, the Friday night’s programme is expected to compensate for the loss. She said there would be various performances from the three nights and would feature Santa Clause giving gifts to the children present.

She encouraged families to go out and support the event as the nation celebrates the birth of Christ through music, poetry and dance.