The eighth edition of the popular “Oktoberfest en Kweyol” was launched here on Wednesday September 2 by the organizers Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd. The launch was held at the Bay Gardens Hotel, where organizers gave the press and invited guests an overview of what to expect for this year’s event.
“Oktoberfest en Kweyol” which saw record numbers attending last year at Samaans Park, is now a staple on the calendar of activities here in Saint Lucia. WLBL has been able to creatively transition the traditional Oktoberfest beer festival, with origins in Germany, into our own beer festival with a distinct Kweyol twist that has become “Oktoberfest en Kweyol”. The event will be held this year on Sunday October 4 from 2 pm at Samaans Park and will once again offer a mix of regional and local acts, great food, beers from WLBL’s own portfolio as well as the main attraction – the imported beers.
In announcing the beer line-up on Wednesday, Sylvester Henry of WLBL announced the introduction of a special WLBL limited edition brew which will make its debut at Oktoberfest. Called “Cheers”, this bottled beer will mark the start of WLBL’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
This year “Oktoberfest en Kweyol” will again feature Paulaner, the special edition Oktoberfest beer from Germany and the popular Parbo Bier Jogo from Suriname. The event will see the introduction of Mort Subite, Judas and Maes Pils from Belgium, Bulmer’s Cider and Blind Pig Cider from the UK, and Fayrouz from Egypt in two flavours: pineapple and pear. This drink is non-alcoholic.
On Wednesday, Marketing Manager at WLBL Thomas Leonce introduced the performers for this year’s event which will include Ras Africa, Invader, Robbie, Alman, Secrets Band, Avot Sevis, Mamai La Kai, Silver Shadow Dancers, Leonette Pierre and DYP, all from Saint Lucia. The featured artiste for “Oktoberfest en Kweyol” this year will be Metal Sound of Martinique who scored a number of raga-zouk songs in the 90s including “Jen Fi Ou Dous” and “Tros Jen.”
Recognizing its strengths in manufacturing world-class products and staging world-class events, from inception WLBL has engaged the Folk Research Centre in endorsing the event. The FRC’s mandate is to foster an appreciation of the Kweyol Culture. It is also the principal agency responsible for Kweyol Heritage Month and Jounen Kweyol.Strategically placing the event at the beginning of October and embracing our Kweyol culture as part of it, made the marriage between the FRC and WLBL inevitable. Part proceeds of the event go towards the FRC.
As the entity responsible for marketing Saint Lucia, the SLTB is also seen as key since WLBL views “Oktoberfest en Kweyol” as a wonderful addition to the number of events in Saint Lucia that can attract visitors to our shores from near and far.
This year Digicel is a gold sponsor of “Oktoberfest en Kweyol”. Media partners are The Wave and Radio Caribbean and other sponsors include Landmark Events Ltd and Paradise Water.
Advance tickets for “Oktoberfest en Kweyol” 2015 cost EC$30; more at the door.
So spread the word – tell a friend, tell a neighbour, invite your friends from overseas to the eighth annual “Oktoberfest En Kweyol” on Sunday October 4 at Samaans Park as we enjoy great beer, wonderful music and sumptuous food to start Kweyol Heritage Month in Saint Lucia.
