International Culture, Wine & Food Festival (ICWFF) organizers are readying to stage the 26th annual International Culture, Wine & Food Festival with a salute to The Bahamas' 50th anniversary.

ICWFF will be held for the first time at historic Fort Charlotte, Stanley and D'Arcy, representing a footprint that spans more than an acre, and will comfortably and creatively house the festival, complete with amazing vistas.

Festival organizers hope the new venue will become the festival's forever home.

Patrons will be able to mill about the moat, explore hallowed chambers and event spaces on three levels which are expected to be decked out with Halloween and pirate themes.

Festival officials promise top-notch entertainment, with Bahamian artists mixing things up with international cultural performances for the October 21-22 event.

"ICWFF is the most dynamic event – moving to another new site, offering different payment options, skillfully managing stakeholder engagement, consistently attracting banner audiences and keeping them coming back, year-on-year," said Janet Johnson, ICWFF president.

A staple event on the fall calendar, this year's festival boasts longer hours - 11 a.m. -11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday with no change in admission fees which remains $10 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

Presenting co-sponsor, BTC will provide complimentary WiFi connectivity for all patrons and supporters.

Traditionally a cashless event, last year's ICWFF went fully digital. Kanoo Pays will again offer a digital solution, and festival dollars will also be in operation.

Keith Davies, Kanoo Pays CEO, said they look forward to working with the ICWFF team again this year as they focus on delivering a truly digital solution.

"Last year, there were a lot of people standing around in lines trying to convert cash to digital, so, we're looking to remove that type of stress from your festival experience, by encouraging people to download the Kanoo app and load their wallets ahead of the festival so they can just come and focus on having a great time when they arrive," said Davies.

Final night of Goombay Summer Festival 2023, downtown, Nassau, on Saturday, August 26.

The Hon. Cynthia Pratt, Deputy Governor General, attended the Edmund Moxey Cultural Show and Lignum Awards, July 21, 2023 at Bahamas Harvest Church, West Campus, RND Plaza, University Drive.

Pictured: Former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie receives the Lignum Award for Politics presented by Pastor Mario and Mrs. Erika Moxey; Mr. Robert Bain receives the Lignum Award for Arts & Entertainment; and Mrs. Sam Duncombe receives the Lignum Award for Environment.  Other awardees were: Percy 'Vola' Francis and the Saxons Superstars (Culture); Pastor Allan Lee (Religion); Mary Ann Higgs Clarke (Sports); Commodore Davy Rolle (Law and Order); Claudette Rolle (Education); Barry Rassin (Medicine); Joseph Spence (Posthumously/Cultural Ambassador); and Junior Achievement (Civic Organization).

Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe delivered congratulatory remarks.

Entertainer, Sweet Emily, and ligurgical dancers are also pictured. 

The Hon. Cynthia Pratt, Deputy Governor General, attended the Edmund Moxey Cultural Show and Lignum Awards, July 21, 2023 at Bahamas Harvest Church, West Campus, RND Plaza, University Drive. Pictured: Former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie receives the Lignum Award for Politics presented by Pastor Mario and Mrs. Erika Moxey; Mr. Robert Bain receives the Lignum Award for Arts & Entertainment; and Mrs. Sam Duncombe receives the Lignum Award for Environment.  Other awardees were: Percy 'Vola' Francis and the Saxons Superstars (Culture); Pastor Allan Lee (Religion); Mary Ann Higgs Clarke (Sports); Commodore Davy Rolle (Law and Order); Claudette Rolle (Education); Barry Rassin (Medicine); Joseph Spence (Posthumously/Cultural Ambassador); and Junior Achievement (Civic Organization). Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe delivered congratulatory remarks. Entertainer, Sweet Emily, and ligurgical dancers are also pictured. 

The National Independence Secretariat as part of Jubilee celebrations held a 'Rush, Sip & Paste' Junkanoo event on the grounds of Collins House, Shirley and Collins Avenue, June 16, 2023. Hundreds of Bahamians flooded the grounds to partake in art, Junkanoo pasting, and enjoying food and live musical entertainment along with cultural merchandise, crafts, and memorabilia on sale by local vendors.  In attendance was Chair of the National Independence Secretariat, Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice.