All eyes on Ranny Williams - Village to be the hub of Independence celebrations

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) will lead in the celebration of the Independence Festival to be held from tomorrow to August 6. The theme for this year is 'Celebrating Jamaica: Triumphant, Proud, Free'. Subsequent to last year's euphoric celebrations, the nation's 51st anniversary promises an equally thrilling experience.

The Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre will be the hub of the activities where an Independence Village will be established and will open daily from noon to 5 p.m.

INDEPENDENCE VILLAGE

The Independence Village will feature daily and nightly events and activities for the entire family, ranging from stage shows and concerts to exhibitions and expositions. It will include stalls and vendors' booths offering traditional and contemporary foods, arts and crafts, fashion, the visual arts, information and promotional items.

The celebrations will kick of with a vigil in commemoration of 175 years of Emancipation to be celebrated by all parishes tomorrow, beginning at 9 p.m. Subsequent to this will be the exciting emancipation family festival show, Mello-Go-Roun', which will take place at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, commencing at 8 p.m.

At right is the schedule of activities for the Independence celebrations.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Opens on August 1, 2013

Independence Village

12 noon- 5 p.m. daily

Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Mello Go Roun'

8 p.m.

Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre

Adult pre-sold $800; at the gate $1,000 Children $400

Friday, August 2, 2013

Reasoning (Topic: 'The Past and Future of Festival Song')

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Louise Bennett Garden Theatre

Jamaica Festival Song Showcase

8 p.m.

Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre

Adult pre-sold $800; at the gate $1000, Children $400

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Reasoning (Topic: 'Concepts of Beauty and the Modern Jamaican Woman')

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Louise Bennett Garden Theatre

Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Coronation

8 p.m.

Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre

Adult pre-sold $800; at the gate $1,000 Children $400

Sunday, August 4, 2013

National Independence Thanksgiving Service

10 a.m.

Bethel Baptist Church, 6 Hope Road Kingston 10

Jamaica Gospel Song National Finals

7 p.m.

Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre

Adult pre-sold $800; at the gate $1,000 Children $400

Monday, August 5, 2013

Reasoning (Topic 'Dance as Resistance and Liberation')

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Louise Bennett Garden Theatre

World Reggae Dance Championship

8 p.m.

Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre

Adult pre-sold $800; at the gate $1,000 Children $400

Season passes are available for all events at a cost of $3,500

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Grand Gala

5 p.m.

National Stadium

Admission: FREE