Locals and visitors packed Regatta Park in Georgetown, Exuma for the Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival which is a signature event of the Ministry of Tourism and which kicks off regatta season. (Photos: Ministry of Tourism)

A weekend of music, dance, food, arts and craft were the order of the day at the 12th annual Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival.

Locals and visitors packed Regatta Park in Georgetown, Exuma for the festival, which is a signature event of the Ministry of Tourism, and which kicks off regatta season.

Under the theme "Celebrating We Tings" event patrons were able to sample dishes like Bahamian fire engine, homemade switcher and freshly baked bread from a rock oven at the park.

During the day, participation in the Yuma Arts Craft Centre, Bahamian bush tea demonstrations, Bahamian dance lessons and food demonstrations were the highlight events, along with games like hop scotch, egg and spoon and sack races.

The gospel night came alive with music from the Sandals Choir, Dia Capron, Natasha Lewis, DJ Councilor, Al Gibson, Preston Wallace Sr., Bishop Lawrence Rolle, Ecclesia and Dencil Rolle and Friends.

Director of Religious Tourism Dwight Armbrister who performed during the festival, was pleased with the turnout.

"We found a way to incorporate the old and the new with this festival. We wanted to make sure young people were involved and that showed," he said.

On Friday, the children were treated to a mini Junkanoo Rush out and a box cart float parade.

Cindy Romer, Just Us, the Crabman, Carlton Ferguson Sr., the Whiteheads, Wilfred Solomon, Sweet Love Band, Q-Pid, Calypso rockers, Cindy Romer, Val Richards, Puzzle, Veronica Bishop, Dyson Knight and Geno D performed in the evening.

Saturday night's finale, featured Jay Mitchell, Raj the entertainer, Ancient Man, Nita Ellis, Erica Lightbourne, Puzzle and Dillion "D-Mac" McKenzie.

Nita Ellis who has not performed for some time said Exuma inspired her.

"I feel exhilarated. The festival is wonderful. It's so good to see children, and adults -- young and old enjoy the festival. Music is so important to our tourism product," she said.

Dillion "D'Mac" McKenzie who is often in Exuma said he looks forward to the music and heritage festival every year.

"Heritage is where this festival started but I wish we could have it all over the country. We have a rich heritage in Exuma and we want to expose it all over the country and all over the world. I think it is important for tourists to be exposed to our music. People have to know who we are and this is the way to do it," he said.

Director of Events Charity Armbrister was excited with the turnout.

"It got off and finished wonderfully," said Armbrister. "We brought an educational component with the kids hearing the stories and seeing the things that many Bahamians used to use a long time ago. I think they enjoyed all of the things we showed them. We think it is really important to keep our culture alive.

"We introduced new artists this year because we don't want it to be the same thing every year," she said.

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