Anguilla Summer Festival 2006
"EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF A CULTURAL MIX"
AUGUST 3-13TH

ELEVEN-DAY-EXTRAVAGANZA TO FEATURE FUN FOR ALL AGES IN CELEBRATION OF ISLAND’S UNIQUE TRADITION OF CLASSIC CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL AND BOAT RACING
NEW YORK, N.Y., June 2006 --- The island of Anguilla features a unique patchwork of classic traditions, remarkable beauty and seemingly endless reasons for celebration. For 11-glorious days this August, the world is invited to share in the history, pageantry, hospitality and excitement with Anguilla Summer Festival 2006.

“Experience the magic of a cultural mix” is the theme of this year’s event, the idea of which dates back to 1940. And what a cultural mix it will be. The air will be filled with vibrant sounds of the island’s and the region’s finest musicians. The streets will be awash in color thanks to a children’s parade and the event’s signature grand parade. Beauty will be on display wherever you turn, whether you find yourself on one of Anguilla’s 33 white sandy beaches or in the audience of the “Miss Anguilla” or “Prince and Princess” pageants. Talent will be on display in abundance thanks to traditions like j’ouvert (early morning street dancing), Calypso Monarch Competitions, International Soca and Reggae Night, and more.

And the gorgeous seas will provide a breathtaking backdrop for daily doses of the island’s national pastime of boat racing, as crowds gather on the shore to cheer on their favorites, take in the spectacle or just bask in the wonder of the magnificent turquoise blue.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to discover the things that make Anguilla such a truly special place,” said Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch, Director of Tourism. “Over these 11-days, our guests will experience the island in all of its glory, allowing them to join in an unforgettable series of celebrations while enjoying the unique brand of hospitality for which we are known throughout the world.”

The Anguilla Summer Festival was born out of a desire to revive the island’s traditional art forms while at the same time merging them with the modern-day appeal that has helped make it a favorite destination for discriminating travelers everywhere.

As for the boating connection….that came easily. In a regional sports culture so often dominated by cricket, Anguillians have always stayed true to their seafaring roots, celebrating their unique connection with the oceans by taking to the waters in spirited competitions. The unique combination of the fun-for-the-entire-family carnival atmosphere and boat racing excitement makes the Anguilla Summer Festival one of the Caribbean’s signature events.

This year’s festivities start out with a literal bang thanks to a spectacular fireworks display on Thursday, August 3. Other highlights of the event will include the popular “Soca Classic” musical extravaganza on Friday, August 4 (featuring classic regional calypsonians Baron, Sugar Aloes, Shadow, Lord Nelson and others, all backed by Trinidad’s D’Unit band and MC Tommy Joseph); the Kiddies Parade and Reggae Night on August 5; a Caribbean Beach Party at Sandy Ground (featuring Allison Hinds, NuVybes, Surface and Jam Band) on August 7; the Sandy Ground Boat race and Calypso Monarch Finals on August 9; the Miss Anguilla Queens Pageant on August 10; the “Grand Parade of Troupes” on August 11; the 10th Annual Leeward Island Calypso Celebration on August 12 and the “Champion of Champions” boat race and Grand Finale Fireworks show on August 13.

Travel packages for the Anguilla Summer Festival 2006 are available through American Airlines/American Eagle and The Anguilla Hotel & Tourism Association. For more information on packages or for updated information on artist listings and events, visit www.axasummerfestival.com.

Anguilla is a pristine and private escape waiting to happen. Wrapped in a beautiful and brilliant turquoise sea, this small island features 33 stunning, powder-soft white sand beaches, warm and friendly people, a wide range of first-class lodging options, activities and entertainment that can provide you with fun long into the day and late into the night. In a phrase… it’s the recipe for the perfect world-class vacation. For additional information or to learn more about Anguilla, call the Anguilla Tourist Board at 1-877-4 ANGUILLA or visit www.anguilla-vacation.com.